International Wine Report & Global Fine Wine Challenge 2021 Scores

International Wine Report is an independent media source dedicated to providing in-depth wine reviews and tasting notes. We're honored to share the 2021 scores of our wines.

2018 Four Flags Cabernet Sauvignon - 96 Points

Red Mountain

"A phenomenal example of a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Red Mountain fruit, coming from 4 of the best vineyards in the area, this wine rests 20 months in 75% new French oak barrels. I could pick Red Mountain cab in a blind with this wine 10 out of 10 times - it just screams characteristics of dried blackberry, blueberry, violet petal, dusty road, graphite, wild mountain sage and old leather. It’s chocolatey and plush on the palate bringing medium plus acidity and sweet chewy tannins to the finish. The energy and structure of this wine will give it another decade or two of ageing potential in your cellar with beautiful results. Highly recommended."

2023-2027; 96 Points

2020 Chaleur Blanc - 95 Points

Columbia Valley

"The wine that put white Bordeaux-style wines of Washington on the map, this is a perennial favorite among novices and collectors alike. Whole cluster pressed and fermented in 90% French oak barrels, with 60% being new, and 10% stainless steel, it rests for 7 months on the lees which gives it that luxurious mouthfeel. It is acombination of 72% Sauvignon Blanc and 28% Sémillon so that gooseberry nose is absolutely prominent, maybe more so with the 2020 than any other vintages I’ve tasted. Aspects of ripe pear, dried pineapple, green apple, fresh mint, green herbs, grapefruit zest and crushed clove. The balance of this wine is quite extraordinary as is the racy acidity and lengthy finish. I don’t necessarily gravitate towards Sauvignon Blanc but I’ll drink a bottle of Chaleur Blanc any day. It’s a bright, exuberant wine and one that should cellar well for the next decade or longer. Highly recommended."

2021-2031; 95 Points

2019 Signature Syrah - 94 Points

Yakima Valley 

"I truly believe that Syrah is the most delicious grape grown in Washington state. It develops so well in the Washington climate and tends to over-deliver on the wine quality. This Signature wine is a blend of 98% Syrah and 2% Viognier, which gives the wine a bit of white potpourri aromas, is aged for 20 months in 35% new French oak barrels. Notes of blueberry, huckleberry, black plum, crushed black peppercorn, smoked beef brisket and black olives are all present and what you would expect from a Red Mountain Syrah from Washington. You also get a touch of that wild mountain sage that grows within all the vineyards of the area and is the telltale sign when blind tasting Washington wines. Tannins are still a tad sharp but be patient with this wine. In a couple of years, you are going to be blown away with how good this wine develops to become. Highly recommended."

2021-2031; 94 Points

2018 D2 - 93 Points

Columbia Valley

"The D2 is another Delille wine that helped put it on the map. A right-bank Bordeaux style blend of 67% Merlot, 28% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot and aged for 18 months in 55% new French oak barrels. The nose is rich and meaty - think aromas of blackberry, black currant liqueur, ripe blue plum, tobacco leaf, dried herbs and pencil shavings. There is also this melted dark chocolate component that comes through that gives this wine some lovely character. Acidity is high, tannins are medium to high and the body is full while the fruit flavors stand up to the 14.5% alcohol and balance the wine in a lovely way. Give it another year in the bottle to meld together and then enjoy over the next 8 years or so."

2022-2030; 93 Points

2019 Métier - 92 Points

Yakima Valley

"This fun Rhone-styled blend of 42% Grenache, 36% Mourvedre, 20% Syrah, and 2% Cinsault is aged for 15 months in French oak barrels. The fruit comes from the Ciel du Cheval and Boushey Vineyards and comes in at 14.6% alcohol. Medium ruby in the glass with aromas of red raspberry, thimbleberry, black peppered salami, dusty crushed gravel, and candied purple rose petals. It’s one of my favorite Delille wines in the glass partially because it has simplicity but complexity all at the same time if that makes any sense at all. Acidity, tannins and body all fall in the medium plus range and the balance is wonderful with the delicious fruit and savory flavors. Enjoy now or over the next 7 years."

2021-20219; 92 Points

2018 Minuit - 90 Points

Yakima Valley

"A blend of 70% Malbec and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon that is aged for 18 months in 60% new French oak barrels, with grapes coming about 50/50 from the Quintessence and Red Willow vineyards. Wild huckleberry jumps from this dark ruby core, reminding me of being in the mountains of Idaho picking berries as a kid. Secondary notes of mocha, black pepper and crushed black gravel. The palate is a bit spicy, with the fruit taking second fiddle and the secondary characteristics of herbs and spice playing first chair. It has ample acidity, but is just a touch out of balance, however this is still a seriously good wine."

2021-2027; 90 Points

Global Fine Wine Challenge Scores

In addition to the International Wine Report scores, DeLille Cellars also received several medals from the Global Fine Wine Challenge, formerly known as the Six Nations Challenge. This challenge is accessible by invitation only and is restricted to the top 120 wines of each country. 

Double Gold Medal: 2018 Chaleur Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

Gold Medal: 2018 Four Flags Cabernet Sauvignon