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.

The Amarosé Cocktail | Recipe

The Amarosé is the perfect summer cocktail. Crafted with DeLille Cellars Rosé and Fast Penny Spirits Amaricano Bianca, this cocktail is sure to delight. Enjoy inside The Lounge or on The Deck this summer, or in the comfort of your own home. 

Amarosé Cocktail Recipe - by Adam Fream

• 1oz London Dry Gin

• 1oz Amaricano Bianca

• 3/4 oz Rosé Simple Syrup (recipe below)

• 3/4oz Fresh Lemon Juice

• 2 Dashes Peychaud’s Aromatic Bitters

• 1 Dash Scrappy’s Celery Bitters

​Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker and shake with ice.

Double Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

Express the oil of a lemon peel over the glass and serve. Garnish with a lemon twist. 

Rosé Simple Syrup

• Combine equal parts granulated sugar and Rosé Wine in a small saucepan and warm over medium heat.

• Stir until sugar is dissolved.  Let cool and then pour into an airtight container (Jar or bottle)

• Syrup will keep, refrigerated, for about a month

Try the Amarosé Cocktail at The Lounge at DeLille Cellars

The Lounge at DeLille Cellars is a wine-centric dining experience featuring hand-crafted cuisine from Executive Chef Michael C. Toni. Along with an extensive wine list, The Lounge now offers select craft cocktails. Enjoy inside dining or outside on The Deck. Make an indoor or weather-dependent outdoor reservation today. 

2022 Wine Enthusiast Advance Buying Guide Scores

Wine Enthusiast’s Advance Buying Guide provides early access to reviews for over 1,800 wines, 20 spirits, and 10 beers. DeLille Cellars is proud to share excellent scores for its Washington wine throughout Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley, and Red Mountain AVAs.

2019 Signature Syrah - 94 pts

Yakima Valley

Co-fermented with 2% Viognier, fruit for this wine comes from Red Mountain and Boushey Vineyard. The aromas start out brooding, with notes of boysenberry, violet and spice. Full bodied, rich, intense, luscious, seamless fruit flavors follow. It’s hedonism in a glass, with no shortage of grace. Buckle up and enjoy the ride. Editors’ Choice. —S.S. 

 

2019 Red Willow - 94 pts

Yakima Valley

Fruit and barrel intertwine on the aromas and flavors, with notes of vanilla, coffee, dried tobacco, char and cherry. It has a creamy feel that ups the appeal. Barrel notes linger on the finish. Give it time in bottle to see it at its best. Enjoy after 2027" - S.S

 

 

2019 Minuit - 93 pts

Yakima Valley

This is a blend of 70% Malbec and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon. The aromas intrigue, with notes of whole tangerine, cumin, cedar, black pepper and plum. Plump palate-coating purple and blue-fruit flavors follow. It’s got a big-time yum factor. Editors’ Choice. —S.S.

 

 

2019 Discovery Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon - 93 pts

Horse Heaven Hills

Located on Phinny Ridge, Discovery Vineyard has quickly established itself as one of this appellation’s top sites. Aromas of bittersweet chocolate, dried herb, black currant and plum lead to bright, rich, tightly packed fruit flavors. It shows a lot of hedonism, polish and class. —S.S. 

 

2019 Le Colosse Merlot - 93 pts

Yakima Valley

This is a blend of fruit from top sites Boushey, Harrison Hill and DuBrul. The aromas enchant, with notes of fresh and dried herb, orange rind, sage, cedar, plum and bing cherry. The flavors and plush and palate coating while bringing a lot of grace. It’s delicious. Editors’ Choice. —S.S.

 

2018 Grand Ciel Syrah - 92 pts

Red Mountain

The aromas aren’t fully ready to reveal themselves, with notes of dark fruit, spice and herb. Full feeling, seamless flavors follow. There’s intensity but a hand firmly on the throttle. —S.S. 

 

 

2019 Marguerite Sauvignon Blanc - 92 pts

Columbia Valley 

The aromas intrigue, with notes of clover honey, toast, bright herb, lime peel and assorted spices. Full-bodied flavors follow, showing pleasing complexities and a warm finish.

It’s terrific now but will only expand with time in the cellar. Best after 2025. —S.S.

 

2019 Klipsun Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon - 92 pts

Red Mountain

Coming from one of Red Mountain’s top sites, this is a charm offensive. The aromas bring notes of savory herb, black plum and dark raspberry. There’s plenty of intensity to the flavors, along with midpalate density. The finish hangs. It’s tasty. —S.S. 

 

2019 Shaw Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon - 92 pts

Red Mountain

This wine is a complete delight. The aromas bring notes of cigar box, vanilla extract, boysenberry, black cherry, cedar and fresh herb. Full feeling but still fleet-of-foot flavors follow. It’s a restrained look at this often burly appellation, with a great yum factor. —S.S.

 

2019 D2 - 91 pts

Columbia Valley

Merlot comprises 60% of this wine and Cabernet Sauvignon 34%, with the rest bits of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The aromas pull you into the glass, with notes of plum, raspberry, chocolate, vanilla and spice. The flavors are reserved and creamy feeling, delivering on all that promise. —S.S. 

 

2019 Doyenne - 91 pts

Red Mountain

This is a blend of 60% Syrah and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon. Aromas of barrel spice, cherry, herb and plum lead to flavors that show intensity and also the svelteness of the vintage. 

 

 

 

Shop Washington Wine from Red Mountain

DeLille Cellars is a boutique artisan winery that has been producing high-quality wines since 1992. The winery is known for pioneering Bordeaux-style blends from Washington State and has maintained a tradition of quality and excellence with over 200 wines rated 90+ from leading publications. Visit our Woodinville winery or shop Washington wines online. 

DeLille Cellars Celebrates 30 Years of Winemaking in Washington State & Releases Mini Documentary

DeLille's Founders: Chris Upchurch, Jay A. Soloff, Greg Lill, and Charles Lill

DeLille Cellars, a pioneering Washington State winery, is celebrating its 30th Anniversary with the release of a short documentary capturing the story of the winery’s beginning. Founded in 1992 by Jay Soloff, Chris Upchurch, and Charles and Greg Lill, DeLille was the first winery in the state to focus distinctly on both red and white Bordeaux-style blends. 

The video highlights how DeLille’s founders met and created the idea to start one of Washington’s early wineries, now the third oldest in Woodinville. Through stories of French heritage, home winemaking, trips to Bordeaux and late-night punch-downs, the foundation for excellence and passion to unearth and showcase Washington’s world-class wine region is reflected in the interviews of DeLille’s founders and present-day team. DeLille Cellars invites you to pour a glass of Washington wine and watch and share the story. Visit DeLille's website to learn more about the winery's history.

DeLille’s founders believed blends transcended the sum of their individual parts, and sought to showcase the powerful, concentrated, and structured fruit of Washington State through the European art of blending, whether different varietals or vineyard sites. This founding principle along with the company philosophy of “always seeking” guides the winery’s commitment to exceptional wine quality and winery experiences and its dedication to constant improvement and continuous discovery in the cellar.

"Thirty years is short in the overall history of wine, but it’s a significant milestone for DeLille and the Washington State wine industry," said CEO Tom Dugan. “Our founders set out to showcase the world-class wine quality of Washington State. Despite the tremendous opportunity that still exists to grow awareness nationally and abroad, we’re proud to have helped establish the exceptional quality of wine that can be grown and made here and to have contributed to the remarkable growth of the Washington State wine industry. As we continue to build on the strong foundation of focusing on celebrated vineyard sites, quality in the cellar, and distinctive and memorable wine experiences, we’re extremely excited about the next 30 years."

Director of Winemaking Jason Gorski and CEO Tom Dugan in front of DELille's Tasting Room at the Old Redhook Brewery (Credit: Richard Duval)

In 2019, DeLille Cellars moved all winery production and operations to the Old Redhook Brewery in Woodinville, Washington, where it built a tasting room and opened a restaurant, The Lounge at DeLille Cellars. While DeLille started with just two wines, the current portfolio includes over two dozen wines with a focus on Bordeaux and Rhone-inspired blends as well as highly limited Cabernets and single vineyard and varietal expressions. DeLille celebrated its anniversary over the weekend of April 29th at its Woodinville location with a dinner in its Grand Ciel Hall, a new event space above its restaurant, and a Taste & Tour experience throughout its three-story tasting room.

DeLille Cellars founding wines, Chaleur Estate and D2, 1992 vintage

About DeLille Cellars

Bordeaux Inspired – Distinctly Washington – Uniquely DeLille

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 as one of the top producers in the state.