Winery
of the Week: DeLille Cellars - Washington State
DeLille
Cellars continues to innovate and to produce special
wines from Washington State. Winemaker Chris Upchurch continues
to follow the same adage he did when the winery opened back
in 1992 - create special wines from the uniquely expressive
terroir and dramatic. And based on what we tasted, he should
never change his philosophy.
Click
on labels to enlarge |
DeLille
Cellars 2013 "Chaleur Estate" Blanc
Winery:
DeLille Cellars
Grape(s): 165% Sauvignon Blanc &
35% Semillon
Region: Columbia Valley, Washington
Year:
2013
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 35-40
Review:
Fragrances of apple, lemon, and tropical fruit mingle
with nuances of vanilla, fresh bread, and herbs on the
nose. Flavors of green apple and sweet lemon wrap around
suggestions of honey, herbs, and butter on the palate.
A lush, mouth-filling white with a fresh acidity, enjoy
a bottle with baked sole in a brown butter sauce.
Rating: 91 |
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DeLille
Cellars 2012 "D2" Blend
Winery:
DeLille Cellars
Grape(s): 50% Merlot, 42% Cabernet Sauvignon,
6% Cabernet Franc, & 2% Petit Verdot
Region: Columbia Valley, Washington
Year:
2012
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 40-45
Review:
Aromas of blackberries, cherries, and cassis are accented
by hints of dark chocolate, toasty oak, and thyme on the
nose. A sip reveals flavors of currant, blackberry, and
cherry that interweave with suggestions of bitter-sweet
chocolate, smoky oak, and dusty earth. Dark fruit and
rich tannins make this an ideal wine to enjoy with your
favorite red meat.
Rating: 92 |
|
Doyenne
2012 "AIX" Blend
Winery:
DeLille Cellars
Grape(s): 40% Cabernet Sauvignon &
60% Syrah
Region: Red Mountain, Washington
Year:
2012
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 35-40
Review:
Aromatics of bramble fruits and cherries meld with notes
of peppercorns and cedar on the nose. A sip delivers flavors
of blackberry, cherry, and boysenberry that open up into
nuances of pepper, herbs, and mocha. A bright, rich wine
with supple tannins, fans peppery reds will enjoy this
bottle.
Rating: 90 |
Note:
Wines rated with a "+" have not yet reached their
peak quality but will do so over the next few years
By
Jason Barlow
96
— 100 |
Spectacular |
92
— 95 |
Outstanding |
89
— 91 |
Great |
85
— 88 |
Good |
81
— 84 |
Solid |
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