Wines
of the Week: DeLille Cellars
By FBWorld Team
DeLille
Cellars continues to innovate and to create special
wines from Washington State. Now, celebrating their 20th anniversary,
winemaker Chris Upchurch continues to strive for the same thing
he did back in 1992 - to create special wines from the uniquely
expressive terroir and dramatic weather conditions of the Pacific
Northwest.
Click
on labels to enlarge |
DeLille
Cellars 2012 Chaleaur Estate Blanc
Winery:
DeLille Cellars
Grape(s): 65% Sauvignon Blanc & 35%
Semillon
Region: Columbia Valley, Washington
Year: 2012
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
(n/a)
Price: 35-40
Review:
Aromas of pear and key lime come together with floral
and woodsy suggestions on the nose. A sip unfurls flavors
of tropical fruit, lime, and honeydew with accents of
rosemary, fresh bread, and minerals. A rich, mouthfilling
Bordeaux-style white with a food-friendly acidity, enjoy
a bottle with your favorite shellfish. 1,400 cases produced.
Rating: 90 |
|
DeLille
Cellars 2011 D2 Blend
Winery:
DeLille Cellars
Grape(s): 56% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon,
7% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot
Region: Columbia Valley, Washington
Year: 2011
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
(n/a)
Price: 40-45
Review:
Aromatics of blackberries, blueberries, and currants meld
with hints of vanilla, sweet spice, and smoky wood on
the nose. Flavors of black currant, blueberry, and boysenberry
unfold into notes of earth, pepper, and all-spice on the
palate. A smooth red blend that's less fruit-driven than
most, try a bottle if you prefer French-style wines over
American . 3,500 cases were made.
Rating: 89 |
|
Doyenne
2011 "Signature" Syrah
Winery:
Doyenne
Grape(s): 98% Syrah & 2% Viognier
Region: Red Mountain, Washington
Year: 2011
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
(n/a)
Price: 40-45
Review:
A bouquet of cherries, blackberries, orange spice, and
earth greets the senses. Blackberry, cherry, and raspberry
flavors emerge on the palate along with nuances of pepper,
minerals, and lemon zest. A rich, dark Syrah with layers
of flavor, connoisseurs will really appreciate this bottle.
475 cases produced.
Rating: 90 |
|
Doyenne
2011 "Aix" Blend
Winery:
Doyenne
Grape(s): 71% Syrah & 29% Cabernet
Region: Red Mountain, Washington
Year: 2011
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
(n/a)
Price: 35-40
Review:
Blackberries, cassis, and black cherries are accented
by notes of pepper and smoky oak on the nose. The palate
delivers flavors of blackberry, cherry, and currants that
open up into hints of thyme and white pepper. A smooth,
layered blend with a nice depth of flavors, enjoy it with
lamb chops and special guests. 1,200 cases were made.
Rating: 91 |
By
Jason Barlow
96
— 100 |
Spectacular |
92
— 95 |
Outstanding |
89
— 91 |
Great |
85
— 88 |
Good |
81
— 84 |
Solid |
|
|