DeLille Cellars Blog

Rosé Vertical Tasting | Owen Bargreen

In May, Wine Critic Owen Bargreen sat down with DeLille’s Director of Winemaking Jason Gorski for a vertical tasting of rosé. 

True to DeLille’s old-world approach, Rosé is crafted in the traditional Bandol style of Southern France.  The fruit is specifically selected to be a part of this blend long before harvest, & our methods are intentional - making it what we call an “honest” Rosé. This is a balanced style of Rosé that retains crisp acidity & begs to be served al fresco. DeLille Cellars Rosé is known for standing ‘the test of time’ with its long aging potential. 

Tasting Notes

2015 Rosé

"A blend of 53% Grenache with 34% Mouvedre and the remainder Cinsault, this shows off wild mushroom and bergamot with melon fruits and strawberry on the nose. The palate is soft and inviting with surprisingly good acidity and wonderfully earthy tones. This is mature Washington Rose that is shockingly good considering the heat of the vintage. Drink 2022-2025- 91"

2017 Rosé

"Presenting with slightly less damp earth, and wonderfully bright, the 2017 DeLille Cellars Rose is a sensational wine by Jason Gorski. The palate is ultra-bright with vibrant minerality. Guava puree, white grapefruit and shades of cremini mushroom all come together magically on the palate, with stony minerals. The combination of weight and finesse deftly walks the tightrope here. Drink 2022-2028- 93"

2019 Rosé

"A blend of 47% Grenache, 45% Mouvedre and just a touch of Cinsault. This vintage was the first to have included Red Heaven Vineyard Mourvedre and no Mourvedre from Stone Tree Vineyard. The wine is considerably more bright than the 2017 or 2015. The texture is outstanding here and bright with very pretty red cherry, red raspberry and shades of thyme. Complex and utterly delicious, warm this up a bit for more mouthfeel and serious length. Drink 2022-2028- 93"

2020 Rosé

"The 2020 DeLille Cellars Rose is really hitting its stride now one year in the bottle. This blends 52% Mourvedre with 43% Grenache and a touch of Cinsault. This is already beautifully evolved, with serious weight and rocking earthy tones. Wild mushroom and forest floor flavor combine with ripe Yakima cherry and honeydew melon flavors. The weight is outstanding here as this beautifully evolved wine is best consumed over the next few years. Drink 2022-2026- 92"

2021 Rosé

"Showing off a more orange hue, the 2021 DeLille Cellars is a silky blend of 49% Grenache with 46% Mourvedre and the remainder Cinsault. Aromatically very vibrant this reveals salmonberry and ripe melon tones that combine with shades of nectarine skin. The palate displays dazzling finesse with a soft mouthfeel. The pretty red fruits from the Grenache is really shining through here. Dazzling at this juncture, this has a long way to go in the cellar. Drink 2022-2030- 93"

Read Owen Bargreen's full blog post here. 

Shop DeLille Cellars Rosé

DeLille Cellars is regarded as a top producer of Washington wine, showcasing a tradition of quality and excellence over its 30-year history. DeLille remains a principal influence in establishing Washington State as a premier viticultural region, with a focus on the Red Mountain AVA and other prestigious vineyard sites throughout the Columbia Valley. Shop the newest vintage of Rosé wine here.

DeLille Cellars Receives 20 91+ Scores in Jame Suckling’s 2022 Washington Wine Report

Washington State: A Cascade of Choice, Untapped Potential, and an Apex Syrah

DeLille Cellars is excited to announce 20 Washington State wines received 91 points or above from James Suckling’s recent Washington Wine Report. Tastings were focused mainly on the 2019 vintage, which was noted as a cooler season resulting in delayed bud break. The following summer months, however, reached 100 degrees in certain areas. August and September were generally moderate and the season ended with a cold snap in October.

2019 Métier - 94 pts

Columbia Valley

Lovely aromas of ripe red fruit, cocoa powder and fresh thyme. Full-bodied with really vivid and vibrant fruit. Great purity and definition. The silky tannins are soaked in juicy fruit. Balanced with good depth and intensity. 42% grenache, 36% mourvedre, 20% syrah and 2% cinsault. Drink or hold.

 

2019 Four Flags Cabernet Sauvignon - 93 pts

Red Mountain

Blackberry, blackcurrant and black licorice on the nose. Full-bodied with very good depth and intensity. Firm tannins. Well structured with ripe fruit and crushed herbs coming in layers. A surprisingly fresh finish. Best after 2024.

 

 

2018 Grand Ciel Cabernet Sauvignon - 93 pts

Red Mountain

A lovely nose of blackberry, blackcurrant, dried thyme and suede. Full-bodied with fine, slightly chewy tannins. Vivid on the palate with plush, ripe fruit. There is lift and clarity, with wet-mineral character. Dark chocolate at the finish. Best after 2023.

 

2020 Chaleur Blanc - 93 pts

Columbia Valley

Aromas of sherbet lemon, peach and thyme. Medium-to full-bodied with lovely stone fruit on the palate. White-tea aromatics, such as jasmine, hibiscus and chamomile come through. Very tasty. Drink now.

Sold out - 2021 vintage releasing this summer!

 

2019 Doyenne - 93 pts

Red Mountain

Aromas of bramble, blackberry, rosemary and leather. Medium-to full-bodied with fine, taught tannins. Ripe fruit is at the core of the palate, accented by fresh floral notes and hints of vanilla and almond. Well balanced and light on its feet. Best in 2024.

 

2019 Chaleur Estate - 93 pts

Red Mountain

Aromas of sweet red fruit, tobacco leaf and vanilla. Full-bodied with silky tannins. Vanilla and cream drive the palate, with notes of leather and sage. A bit of orange peel, too. Good focus and length. 64% cabernet sauvignon, 24% merlot, 10% cabernet franc and 2% petit verdot. Best from 2024

 

2018 Grand Ciel Syrah - 93 pts

Red Mountain

Aromas of leather, blackberry and earth. Full-bodied with slightly chewy tannins. Rich and opulent palate. Very well balanced and sleek. Will be better after another year. Best after 2023.

 

 

2019 Signature Syrah - 93 pts

Yakima Valley 

Aromas of ripe red cherry, rosemary and dried rose. Full-bodied with fine tannins. Sleek and supple with ripe dark fruit and subtle, ground baking spice. There is a lovely floral character to the palate as well. Dry finish. Drink now.

 

 

2019 Discovery Cabernet Sauvignon - 92 pts

Horse Heaven Hills

Aromas of crushed black fruit and berries, cooking spice and cocoa powder. Full-bodied with quite a lot of woody spice character. Nutmeg and allspice come through. Slightly chewy tannins. Give this some time to integrate. Best after 2024.

 

 

2019 Klipsun Cabernet Sauvignon - 92 pts

Red Mountain

Dense aromas of ripe red and black fruit, leather and dried herbs. Full-bodied with very good depth and intensity. Silky tannins. Very steady and rich. Drink or hold.

 

 

2019 Shaw Cabernet Sauvignon - 92 pts

Red Mountain

Ripe red cherry, raspberry, blackcurrant and a lifted note of white pepper on the nose. Full-bodied with velvety tannins. There is a through-line of vanilla cream to the dried herbs and ripe fruit. Best after 2024.

 

 

2020 Rosé - 92 pts

Columbia Valley

Aromas of red cherries, fresh flowers and rosemary. Full-bodied with good weight and texture. Fairly concentrated and driving for a rosé. Dry and refreshing finish. Drink now.

Purchase the 2021 vintage

 

 

2020 Sagemoor Dionysus Riesling - 92 pts

Columbia Valley

Honeyed aromas of nutmeg, peach and apricot. Medium-to full-bodied with lovely yuzu acidity. A little peppery and a little citrusy with a flavorful finish. A charmer. Drink now.

Sold out - new vintage coming soon!

 

2020 Roussanne - 92 pts

Red Mountain

Aromas of grapefruit, white peach, wet stone and dried herbs. Medium-to full-bodied. The palate starts off as fresh ripe stone-fruit notes and quickly changes into notes of walnuts and almonds. I like the complexity and structure. Drink now.

Sold out - new vintage coming soon!

 

2019 Le Colosse - 92 pts

Yakima Valley

Aromas of ripe plum and red cherry mix with notes of rosemary and milk chocolate. Full-bodied with silky tannins. Well structured and long-lasting with very clear red fruit. Savory finish. 100% merlot. Drink or hold.

 

 

2019 Red Willow Blend - 92 pts

Yakima Valley

Aromas of baked cherry, blackberry and roasted rosemary. Full-bodied with firm tannins. Wet-mineral character adds freshness to the rich dark fruit. Subtle cinnamon spice. 56% cabernet franc, 35% merlot and 9% cabernet sauvignon. Best after 2023.

 

2019 D2 - 91 pts

Columbia Valley

Aromas of ripe red cherry, red licorice, dried sage and suede. Full-bodied with firm tannins. Wet-mineral character mixes with bright red fruit. Ripe raspberries, cherries and sweet paprika. Toasted finish. 67% merlot, 28% cabernet sauvignon, 3% cabernet franc and 2% petit verdot. Best after 2023.

 

 

2019 Marguerite Sauvignon Blanc - 91 pts

Columbia Valley

Inviting aromas of lemon, white peach and wet stone. Medium-to full-bodied with a bright and fresh start, but turns rather savory in the finish. Good sur-lie complexity with nice balance. 100% sauvignon blanc. Drink now.

 

 

2019 Harrison Hill - 91 pts

Snipes Mountain

Inviting aromas of sour cherry, cedar and red licorice. Medium-bodied with fine tannins. Juicy and fresh on the palate with good balance. 63% cabernet sauvignon, 25% merlot and 12% cabernet franc. Drink now.

 

 

2019 Minuit - 91 pts

Yakima Valley

Aromas of plum, fig and fresh thyme. Full-bodied with bright berry acidity. Silky tannins. Red cherry and redcurrant. Pleasantly tart. Boysenberry, too. Fresh finish. 70% malbec and 30% cabernet sauvignon. Drink now.

 

 

About DeLille Cellars

DeLille Cellars is the third oldest operating winery in Woodinville, WA, founded in 1992. Known for pioneering Bordeaux-style blends from Washington State, the winery has maintained a tradition of quality and excellence with over 700 individual 90+ ratings from leading publications. DeLille Cellars focuses on the Red Mountain AVA and sources grapes from Washington's most acclaimed vineyards. The winery is recognized by notable wine critics and influencers, including Robert Parker, as one of the top producers in the state. To learn more about DeLille Cellars and shop Washington wine, visit www.delillecellars.com.

2022 Vinous Scores

We are honored to share the latest scores from Owen Bargreen, the new Washington Wine editor at Vinous. Wine Critic Owen Bargreen is a certified sommelier and has reviewed thousands of wines from around the world. He has traveled extensively throughout the wine regions of Washington, Oregon, and California, as well as Bordeaux and the Rhône Valley in France, Spain, Italy and Germany. 

DeLille Cellars Chaleur Blanc, 2020 - 94 pts

"The utterly fabulous 2020 Blanc Chaleur Estate white wine is a sensational blend of 73% Sauvignon Blanc with the remainder Sémillon. The Sémillon really seems to be showing a lot here, contributing banana and melon alongside wet stone and lemon blossom that all mingle in the glass. The palate shows good freshness and weight as well as a great sense of elegance and minerality. The length adds to the enjoyment. This is up there with the best editions of this wine that I have tasted over the past 20 years." (Owen Bargreen, 94)

 

DeLille Cellars Roussanne, 2020 - 93 pts

"The 2020 Roussanne is a beautiful new wine by the talented DeLille winemaking team and director of winemaking Jason Gorski. The nose evokes fantastic range, from banana and honeydew melon to starfruit and damp earth underpinnings. The palate is fresh, vibrant and beautifully textured. The weight really entices as layers of melon and Yakima cherry mingle with minerals and earthy tones on the palate. Gorgeous now, this has a long way to go." (Owen Bargreen, 93)

 

DeLille Cellars Rosé, 2020 - 93 pts

"The 2020 Rosé from DeLille Cellars blends 52% Mourvèdre and 43% Grenache with a splash of Cinsault. The nose is wonderfully earthy and rounded out with melon, citrus blossom and watermelon tones, and the mouthfeel of the wine is seriously good. This is refreshing rosé with bright red fruits that shows a great sense of weight and length. Gratifying to drink now, it also has some cellaring potential." (Owen Bargreen, 93)

 

DeLille Cellars Sagemoor Dionysus Riesling, 2020 - 92 pts

"Sourced from an old block in the Bacchus vineyard that has since been removed, the 2020 Riesling Sagemoor Dionysus is a one-of-a-kind, Trocken-style wine that shows petrol and yellow florals on the nose along with shades of Japanese pear. The palate has great tension, a wonderful sense of minerality and just a kiss of sweetness." (Owen Bargreen, 92)

 

DeLille Cellars Métier, 2019 - 93 pts

"The 2019 Métier is a gorgeous blend of 42% Grenache and Mourvèdre (36%) with smaller parts Syrah and Cinsault. The garrigue notes are gorgeous, and bright red cherry and cigar box tones mingle with black olive on the nose. The palate shows good freshness, a soft mouthfeel and a light dusting of salinity. Layers of ripe red and dark fruits parade with stony and earthy tones, sagebrush and creosote. This just fantastic Rhône-inspired wine for the price." (Owen Bargreen, 93)

 

DeLille Cellars De Ponte Vineyard Pinot Noir, 2019 - 92 pts

"Sourced from one of the great sites in the Dundee Hills, the 2019 Pinot Noir De Ponte Vineyard exudes class with its soft mouthfeel and layers of pretty red fruits, red rose petals and citrus rind accents. Medium-bodied, showing good length, this is best enjoyed over the next 8-10 years." (Owen Bargreen, 92)

 

DeLille Cellars Lonesome Rock Ranch Pinot Noir, 2019 - 92 pts

"Presenting a pretty guava and red fruit profile, the 2019 Pinot Noir Lonesome Rock Ranch shows lighter viscosity and a silky mouthfeel once on the palate. Minerals and light damp earthy tones add to the enjoyment. This excellent cool-vintage effort is best consumed over the next eight years." (Owen Bargreen, 92)

 

DeLille Cellars Shaw Vineyard, 2018 - 96 pts

"The 2018 Shaw Vineyard is beautifully evolved even at the three-year mark. Aromatically quite complex, it displays really good range, from sagebrush and sandalwood tones to blackberry and huckleberry tones. The soft texture grabs your attention as the wine effortlessly glides across the midpalate, delivering plenty of espresso bean, blueberry compote, tar and black licorice flavors. Complex and delicious to savor now, this has another 20 years ahead of it." (Owen Bargreen, 96)

 

DeLille Cellars Lot 3, 2018 - 96 pts

"Silky, elegant and very well-balanced, the 2018 Lot 3 is a sensational Cabernet Sauvignon that is only starting to hit its stride. On the nose, it takes on layers of iodine alongside blackberry, tar, mocha and baking spices that all evolve in the glass. The palate is silky, plush and seamless with gratifying freshness and viscosity. Black and blue fruits collide with minerals and scorched earth tones on the palate. Enjoy this scintillating bottling over the next 15 years." (Owen Bargreen, 96)

 

DeLille Cellars Grand Ciel Cabernet Sauvignon, 2018 - 95 pts

"The classy 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Grand Ciel is a deep, hedonistic bottling by DeLille Cellars. Creosote and baking spices mingle with a rich core of dark fruits and salty undertones on the palate. The veil of tension, the rich mouthfeel and the impressive length all make this beautiful wine sing. Try to give it an hour of air if consuming in its vibrant youth." (Owen Bargreen, 95)

 

DeLille Cellars Harrison Hill, 2018 - 95 pts

"The 2018 Harrison Hill is a gorgeous effort by Jason Gorski and his DeLille Cellars winemaking team. Black florals combine with red cherry, black berry cobbler and suggestions of Asian spices on the nose. The palate is rich, viscous and elegant, with refined tannins holding everything in place. Enjoy this outstanding new wine over the next 15-plus years." (Owen Bargreen, 95)

 

DeLille Cellars Chaleur Estate, 2018 - 95 pts

"Showing more tar and scorched earth tones than the Harrison Hill, the 2018 Chaleur Estate presents an exotic bouquet of Arabica bean mingled with blue and black fruits and loamy soil undertones. The palate is elegant and silky, as refined tannins caress the layers of boysenberry, black cherry cordial and spice box. Gorgeous now, but this has a long way to go." (Owen Bargreen, 95)

 

DeLille Cellars Four Flags, 2018 - 94 pts

Sold out! View the 2019 vintage here

"Already quite nicely evolved, the 2018 Four Flags evokes black tea, exotic spice and chocolate aromas alongside a great wall of dark fruits. Full-bodied and intense, with sagebrush and scorched earth undertones, this is drinking beautifully right now and will continue to cellar well for another 15 years - or more!" (Owen Bargreen, 94)

 

DeLille Cellars Marguerite, 2018 - 94 pts

"Fresh and vibrant, the 2018 Marguerite is a special barrel-selection Sauvignon Blanc sourced from Block 5 in the Sagemoor vineyard, with vines dating back to 1972, and crafted from wine stored in cigar barrels. It’s quite rich and intense, providing smoky and stony undertones alongside a silky texture, wonderful orchard fruits and serious viscosity." (Owen Bargreen, 94)

 

DeLille Cellars Red Willow, 2018 - 94 pts

"The 2018 Red Wine Red Willow is a silky, elegant wine that blends 57% Cabernet Franc, 26% Merlot and 17% Cabernet Sauvignon. On the nose, it offers florals combined with sagebrush, blackberry compote and black licorice underpinnings. Fresh, vibrant and silky-smooth on the attack, this seamlessly glides throughout the drinking experience. Highly refined yet showing good weight, this outstanding Left Bank-inspired red blend will satisfy for at least another decade to come." (Owen Bargreen, 94)

 

DeLille Cellars Grand Ciel Syrah, 2018 - 94 pts

"The 2018 Syrah Grand Ciel is a beautifully textured wine that is already wonderfully evolved. Rich anise, espresso bean, blueberry pie and smoky minerals all combine on the palate, along with shades of smoked brisket. Fantastic now in its fresh, rich youth, this has another decade of life in front of it." (Owen Bargreen, 94)

 

DeLille Cellars Signature Syrah, 2018 - 94 pts

Sold out! View the 2019 vintage

"The beautiful 2018 Syrah Signature includes a touch of Viognier (2%). It’s very fresh and somewhat hedonistic with its massive dark fruit profile, and layers of dark chocolate shavings, black tea and exotic spices all add to the intrigue. This has the stuffing and finesse to last at least another decade." (Owen Bargreen, 94)

 

DeLille Cellars Le Colosse, 2018 - 93 pts

"The Merlot-dominant (88%) 2018 Le Colosse is an outstanding Yakima Valley bottling. Sagebrush, black cherry compote and shades of Earl Grey tea all dominate the nose. Fresh and beautifully textured, the wine delivers a great core of dark fruits with coffee ground and menthol undertones." (Owen Bargreen, 93)

 

DeLille Cellars Minuit, 2018 - 93 pts

"The 2018 Minuit blends 70% Malbec with the reminder Cabernet Sauvignon. It exudes class, offering blackberry and black tea tones that meld with the serious combination of tension and weight, and finishes exceedingly long. While highly gratifying to enjoy now, this has at least a decade of life ahead of it." (Owen Bargreen, 93)

 

 

DeLille Cellars D2, 2018 - 93 pts

Sold out! View the 2019 vintage here

"The 2018 D2 exudes class with dense layers of toasty oak that connect with black cherry cough syrup, blackberry compote, mocha and tar, all marching in unison in the glass. The palate is dense, chewy and full of life. Downright delicious flavors of black tea and blackberry pie and shades of menthol and coffee grounds combine with a great sense of tension and light tannins. Enjoy this fantastic new wine over the next decade or more." (Owen Bargreen, 93)

 

DeLille Cellars Doyenne, 2018 - 93 pts

"The 2018 Doyenne is already beautifully evolved at the three-year-mark. A Provençale-style blend of 61% Syrah and 39% Cabernet Sauvignon, it delivers plenty of viscosity and weight on the palate. Fresh and beautifully textured, with black cherry, black olive tapenade, boysenberry and loamy soil notes, this is an outstanding effort that will continue to impress over the next decade." (Owen Bargreen, 93)

Owen Bargreen Reviews 10 Years of D2 | D2 Vertical Tasting

D2 takes its name from the grand route du vin, or great wine road that travels through the historic chateau region of Bordeaux, France. Always leading with Merlot, D2 is a traditional Bordeaux-style blend sourced from over a dozen of Washington's most prestigious vineyards. 

Since 1992, D2 has become a beloved blend for wine enthusiasts across the nation. In 2020, D2 captured national attention when named a Wine Spectator Top 100 Wine.

In December, Director of Winemaking Jason Gorski and Wine Critic Owen Bargreen sat down for a D2 vertical tasting in hopes to evaluate a decade of this acclaimed wine. 

2009 D2 - 92 pts

"This 2009 ’D2’ blends 55% Merlot with 34% Cabernet Sauvignon and the remainder Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Nutty undertones combine with macerated red cherry and tobacco leaf on the nose. The palate is very fresh and lithe with a polished texture and a light dusting of salinity. This reveals plenty of mouth-watering acidity with pretty red fruits. Considering the warmth of the vintage this has aged really well, as this has at least another five years to go."

Drink 2021 - 2027

2010 D2 - 90 pts

"The 2010 ‘D2’ is a beautiful blend that exactly mirrors the 2009 version with 55% Merlot with 34% Cabernet Sauvignon with the remainder Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Herbal undertones dominate the nose with fresh sage and thyme tones alongside black raspberry compote. The mouthfeel is soft and approachable with medium-bodied red cherry and red raspberry flavors alongside copious herbs and firm tannins on the palate. This is best consumed over the next few years." 

Drink 2021 - 2024

2011 D2 - 91 pts

"A blend of 56% Merlot with the remainder 35% Cabernet Sauvignon and small parts Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, this is the first vintage utilizing Upchurch Vineyard fruit in this wine. The sense of balance here is really good with pretty red fruits that combine with salty loam soils, wild mushroom and sagebrush tones on the palate. Firm tannins hold things brilliantly in place. While great to consume now, this easily has another five years to go." 

Drink 2021 - 2028

2012 D2 - 93 pts

"The 2012 DeLille Cellars ‘D2’ blends 50% Merlot with 42% Cabernet Sauvignon with smaller parts Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. This is the first vintage utilizing Discovery Vineyard fruit. Ripe red cherry notes alongside underbrush and scorched earthy tones all fill the nose. There are many moving pieces aromatically. This is very seamless upon entry, finishing very long. The fruit quality here is considerably more pretty than the 2009-2011 wines, as this is extremely stable wine that has at least another decade to go."

Drink 2021 - 2031

2013 D2 - 93 pts

"The 2013 ‘D2’ Red Wine is a compelling blend of 57% Merlot with 33% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. This shows considerably more non-fruit aromas with tar and tobacco leaf, as well as mocha tones that combine with rich dark fruit tones. Dense and heady with good viscosity and tension, this dark-fruit driven wine is showing beautifully right now and has another decade of life in front of it. This is the most hedonistic of the tasting from 2009-2013."

Drink 2021 - 2031 

2014 D2 - 93 pts

"The 2014 blends 58% Merlot with 36% Cabernet Sauvignon with the remainder Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. This shows a gorgeous bouquet with dried herbs alongside tar, blackberry compote and shades of espresso bean. The palate is fresh and viscous with a good combination of black fruits and herbal undertones with freshly tilled soils and dark chocolate shavings. Finishing long, this is very youthful now and has at least another decade to go in the cellar."

Drink 2021 - 2033

2015 D2 - 91 pts

"A blend of 58% Merlot with 35% Cabernet Sauvignon with 6% Cabernet Franc and a splash of Petit Verdot. This was the last vintage they utilized Stillwater Creek Merlot. This is a touch leaner and more linear than vintages 2012-14. Herbal undertones combine with bright Bing cherry, salty soils and shades of scorched earth on the palate. Enjoy over the next five years."

Drink 2021 - 2026

2016 D2 - 93 pts

"This 2016 vintage utilizes 59% Merlot with 34% Cabernet Sauvignon and small parts Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. This shows heady aromatics of espresso bean, tilled soils and black currants that all take shape in the glass. The palate is plush with a soft mouthfeel and great feeling of length. Very black fruit driven, shades of creosote and coffee grounds with sagebrush all come together seamlessly with velvety tannins holding things in place. Gorgeous to consume now, this is really nicely balance stuff that has at least another twelve years in front of it."

Drink 2021 - 2033

2017 D2 - 92 pts

"Really good already, the 2017 ‘D2’ red wine shows the highest percentage of Merlot that they have done to this point (66%). The nose shows very pretty high tones from the Merlot with red florals with cocoa powder and bright red fruits. The palate shows similarly to the nose with similar notes alongside brisk acidity and a soft mouthfeel with lighter refined tannins. The earthy components work well, as this beautiful wine still has a long way to go in the cellar."

Drink 2021 - 2033

2018 D2 - 93 pts

"The highest percentage of Merlot in this tasting (67%), the 2018 ‘D2’ is showing beautifully now at the three year mark. This is gorgeous wine even to consume right now with its gorgeous core of dark fruits with bitter chocolate and espresso grounds notes. Herbal undertones add to the enjoyment, as this shows beautiful length, verve and weight. This will easily cellar for twelve years."

Drink 2021 - 2033

2019 D2 - 91 pts

"The 2019 ‘D2’ is a blend of 60% Merlot with smaller portions Cabernet Sauvignon (34%), Cabernet Franc (4%) and Petit Verdot (2%). Sagebrush with milk chocolate and wild blackberry tones all fill the nose. This is done in the fresher style with medium-bodied red currant and red cherry flavors alongside tobacco leaf, and leather on the palate.The sense of balance here is really good. Enjoy this beautiful wine over the next decade." 

Drink 2021 - 2031

Shop DeLille Cellars D2

Looking to sip and savor your own bottle of D2? Visit our Woodinville winery, tasting room, and Lounge restaurant in Woodinville, Washington or shop our wine online. Read the full review of the D2 vertical tasting on Owen Bargreen's blog here. 

DeLille Cellars Earns 11 90+ Wine & Spirits Scores | December 2021

2016 Grand Ciel Cabernet Sauvignon - 94 Points

"DeLille sent two vintages of Grand Ciel for us to taste this year. Both were gorgeous wines, but the 2016 showed us where these wines go…slowly. This five-year-old was wildly dark, a deep violet color with even darker inky shades on the rim. It smells of violets and plums, with plenty of extracted fruit scents, and flavors to match. The texture though, while plainly Red Mountain–big, is suede-like, with a dustiness that hints at a long life in the cellar." —P.J.C. (300 cases)

 

2018 Harrison Hill - 93 Points

"De-Lille’s monopole from Snipes Mountain, a north-facing vineyard set on a gravelly slope, produced a blend that’s slightly floral, the violet scents filling out with air along with a core of dark berry fruit. The texture succulent and satisfying, for carne asada." —P.J.C. (375 cases)

 

 

2018 D2 - 93 Points

"Scents of licorice and black fig take on a cinnamon tone in this merlot-dominant blend. Cinnamon scents appear with air, bright, ripe and lifted as it develops in the glass. It offers sleek cherry and warm plum flavors in a succulent combination, a satisfying accompaniment to duck breast." —P.J.C.

 

 

2017 Grand Ciel Cabernet Sauvignon - 93 Points

"One variety, one clone, one vineyard is how DeLille describes this wine. A driving force of dark fruit and evergreen savor, it leads with aromas of pint frond and a whiff of menthol, woodsy and fresh. The flavors are dark, the texture massive but with polish, and with a succulence for steak." —P.J.C. (300 cases)

 

 

2018 Lot 3 Cabernet Sauvignon - 93 Points

"This is sourced from mostly old-vine lots at Klipsun Vineyard—one of the warmest sites on Red Mountain. Klipsun typically yields a wine with massive dimensions and this one is inky and dark, with plum and cassis notes, a hint of vanilla from the oak, and a suede-like savor. The flavors are concentrated, the texture dense and broad shouldered, needing years in the cellar to come together." —P.J.C. (200 cases)

 

 

2018 Red Willow Blend - 93 Points

"DeLille likes to blend at Red Willow, employing cabernet franc in the main, with merlot and cabernet sauvignon taking up a little over 40 percent of the blend. It’s a good move for a site as cool as this, keeping the wine bright and peppery without being at all green. The tarry purple-plum core deepens to cassis on day two, with depth and tension in equal measure, woodsy and intense, very ageable." —P.J.C. (550 cases)

 

 

2018 Shaw Cabernet Sauvignon - 92 Points

"This Cabernet leads with a darkly floral scent, burly, rich, full of swagger, with scents of cherry tobacco and cedar. The flavors go deep and black in their fruit expression—black plum, fig laced with violets. It needs taming in the cellar." —P.J.C. (400 cases)

 

 

2018 Signature Syrah - 92 Points

"Smoke and violet scents give this cool syrah a savory feel. It’s briny and concentrated, with a pleasing herbal tinge and fine, youthful tannins." —P.J.C. (705 cases)

 

 

 

2018 Métier - 91 Points

"Full of Mourvedre character (which makes up half the blend with grenache, syrah, and a dollop of Cinsault), this wine imparts flavors of dried strawberries and dark red cherries with a mild florality. There’s plenty of dry extract and grippy, meaty savor, with a delightful peppery finish for lamb." —P.J.C. (890 cases)

 

 

2018 Le Colosse - 91 Points

"Le Colosse is a new wine for DeLille, a blend placing emphasis on merlot (88 percent). The wine is dense and concentrated, powerfully built with scents of cocoa and carob, its blackberry flavors held in suspension by firm but velvety tannins. It’s got the stuffing for a New York strip." —P.J.C. (800 cases)

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

 

 

Seattle Wine Award Results

DeLille Cellars is honored to be named the 2021 MVP (Most Valuable Producer) by Seattle Wine Awards. D2, Minuit, and Four Flags earned Double Gold medals in this year's competition.

2018 Four Flags Cabernet Sauvignon - 97 pts

Red Mountain

The Red Mountain pedigree of the 2018 Four Flags is immediately evident on the nose, with savory herb notes of thyme and marjoram intermixing with fruit aromas of cassis and blueberry.  Concentrated and serious on the palate, this wine nevertheless offers beautiful symmetry, with ample energy and a lingering delicate floral impression.  Oak influence is well integrated despite its youth, with mocha and espresso contributing to a plush, long finish.

 

2018 D2 - 96 pts

Columbia Valley

Mocha and milk chocolate notes from French oak integrate with beautiful cassis, dried cranberry, and cedar aromas on this 2018 D2.  This wine is instantly delicious on the palate with an inviting warm, soft entry. It rapidly builds in intensity of fruit mid-palate, offering remarkable length on the finish, with Red Mountain Cabernet (16% of the blend) apparent in the texture.

 

2019 Minuit Malbec - 95 pts

Yakima Valley 

In the lead on this 2018 Minuit, Malbec delivers an extraordinarily dark color and aromas of blackberry, black peppercorn and cocoa, with Cabernet Sauvignon providing intriguing cedar and graphite notes. Slightly more tightly wound then the prior vintage, substantial fruit begins to emerge as the wine opens. Classic Malbec fruit purity dominates on the palate, with enticing cracked pepper carried on a long finish supported by Cabernet tannin. Well-balanced throughout, with welcome freshness and energy on a moderate to full-bodied structure, this wine should continue to deliver and improve for a decade or more.

 

 

DeLille Cellars is a Wine & Spirits Top 100 Winery for the Third Year in a Row

Wine Spectator TOP 100 - 2015 Signature Syrah!

DeLille Cellars one of three WA Wineries to make Wine & Spirits Top 100 List!