DeLille Cellars
Woodinville (Washington State)
http://www.delillecellars.com/

The Estate
Founded in 1992, DeLille Cellars is a small family owned winery located in Woodinville, Washington.  Their goal is to make the very best handcrafted, old-world style red and white wine made in the State of Washington.

The Vineyard
The beautiful ten-acre site sits above the Woodinville valley floor, overlooking the wineries of Chateau Ste. Michelle and Columbia Winery.  All  DeLille wines are elaborated with the highest “hand-crafted” standards.  Only grapes from the oldest and best vineyards in Washington State are used.  They are hand picked and hand sorted at crush, using only the finest berry clusters.  The wines are aged in 100% new French oak barrels each and every year and are never filtered.

The Wines

shelf talker

shelf talker

2010 Delille Cellars, Chaleur Estate Blanc, Yakima Valley 12/750ml
#W1EE162007SBS
UPC code: 7 84585 00511 6
77% Sauvignon Blanc, 23% Semillon
Sauvignon Blanc leads the way with aromas of toasted almonds, sweet straw, cardamom and other baking spices. Reminiscent of vanilla cream, guava, Meyer's lemon, pears and toasty oak tones, this wine delivers a supple, mouthwatering texture lingering on the palate long after the final sip. Superb balance, elegance and length all contribute to a wine of timeless grace.

2009 Delille Cellars, Chaleur Estate Blanc, Yakima Valley 12/750ml
UPC code: 7 84585 00511 6
67% Sauvignon Blanc, 33% Semillon.



Ranked #35
- Wine Enthusiast TOP 100 2011

"Consistent year after year, this blend of 67% Sauvignon Blanc and 33% Sémillon is modeled after top-flight white Bordeaux. Deep gold, toasty and scented with olive oil, walnuts and loam, it hits the palate full-on with a rainbow of flavors: citrus, stone and tropical fruits, all accented with toast, oil and nuts from barrel aging. Riveting, delicious and unique. - P.G."
- Wine Enthusiast (July 1st 2011), 95 pts

2008 Delille Cellars, Chaleur Estate Blanc, Yakima Valley 12/750ml
#W1EE162002SBS
UPC code: 7 84585 00511 6
62% Sauvignon Blanc, 38% Semillon.
This vintage of Chaleur Estate Blanc features grapefruit, gooseberry, orange blossom, and a bit of straw on the nose, with hints of grilled brioche and toasted almonds brought in by the barrel fermentation. Spring citrus notes of ruby grapefruit and gooseberry lead the rich and unctuous palate, supported by Sémillon-inspired notes of honey and fig. The finish echoes on with honey, crème brulée, and grilled nuts, along with subtle tropical fruits.

"The 2008 Chaleur Estate Blanc is a barrel-fermented and aged blend of 62% Sauvignon Blanc and 38% Semillon sourced from 4 of eastern Washington’s finest terroirs. Medium gold-colored, it reveals an outstanding perfume of mineral, grilled brioche, citrus, gooseberry, honey, and fig. Creamy-textured, round, and already complex with all components nicely integrated, it should drink nicely for at least 5-6 years."
- Wine Advocate (Aug. 2010), 92 pts

"Sexy aromas of orange blossom and almond, plus a whiff of Rainier cherry. Sweet, concentrated and fat, with a subtle honeyed quality to the sexy fruit and smoke flavors. A leesy complexity adds to the wine's appeal. This boasts terrific intensity for Washington State white wine and finishes with superb persistence. The percentage of new oak used for this cuvee has declined steadily from 100% in 2005 to 60% in this 2008, and I applaud this strategy."
- Tanzer's Intenational Wine Cellar (Nov/Dec 09), 93 pts

"Polished in texture, with a smoky barrel-fermented feel to the pineapple and pear flavors, lingering enticingly on the citrusy finish. Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon. Drink now through 2012. 2,400 cases made."
- Wine Spectator (June 10), 90 pts

2007 Delille Cellars, Chaleur Estate Blanc, Yakima Valley 12/750ml
#W1EE162031SBS
UPC code: 7 84585 00511 6
68% Sauvignon Blanc, 32% Semillon.
This year’s Chaleur Estate Blanc has a creamy nose of grapefruit, pineapple, and straw, with toasted almond notes.  In the mouth, the Sauvignon Blanc asserts itself, with complex straw and wild herb notes, along with more creamy citrus and Anjou pear flavors.  Like all of our Chaleur Estate Blancs, this is delicious now, but can also be aged for further complexities and surprises.

"The 2007 Chaleur Estate Blanc is composed of 68% Sauvignon Blanc and 32% Semillon sourced from Boushey, Sagemoor, and Klipsun Vineyards, some of the finest sites in the Columbia Valley. Medium straw-colored, it offers up a superb aromatic array of spring flowers, fresh herbs, citrus, toasted almonds, and candle wax. Medium-bodied and creamy-textured, on the palate citrus, pear, and baking spice notes emerge leading to a lengthy, fruit-filled finish. Like a top-class Pessac-Leognan from Bordeaux, it should take on additional complexity with several more years of bottle age although it can be enjoyed now."
- Wine Advocate (October 2009), 91 pts

"Bright, full yellow with a green tinge. Pure aromas of pineapple, pear, chlorophyll and high-toned spicy oak. Bright, pure and penetrating in the mouth, with terrific density and nuance to the flavors of lime zest, minerals and coconut. For all its depth, this conveys a rare light touch. This belongs on the same table as a top-tier white Bordeaux; I was reminded of Domaine de Chevalier! One of the most exciting white wines I've tasted to date from Washington."
- International Wine Cellar (Nov 08), 93 pts

UPC code: 7 84585 00511 6
2006 Delille Cellars, Chaleur Estate Blanc, Yakima Valley 12/750ml
61% Sauvignon Blanc, 39% Semillon.
Rich, smoky aromas of fig, toast and crème brulée combined with the sweet straw of the Sauvignon Blanc.  This is a powerhouse white wine that is youthful and complex.  Pear, straw, honeydew melons and citrus peel flavors expand in the mouth. Silky, creamy textures add to the personality of the wine.

"Pale yellow. Aromas of lemon, toast and straw; very much in a white Bordeaux style. Ripe, dense and quite dry but with an intriguingly saline, tactile quality and a honeyed nuance giving it a subtle sweetness. Finishes ripe and persistent, with late hints of honey and herbs. Winemaker Peterson has cut back on the percentage of enw oak (it's now 80% rather than 100%), and this is all to the good."
- International Wine Cellar (Nov 08), 90 pts

"Rich and smoky, this Sauvignon Blanc-Semillon blend delivers a nose suggesting golden raisins, ripe figs, white peaches and light streaks of butter, honey and caramel. The fruit and wood are balanced and the alcohol is a moderate 13.5% Everything here is in proportion, layered, smooth and seductive. More than past vintages, this is a Chaleur blanc that seems destined to age and develop over the next decade or more."
- Wine Enthusiast (May 08), 94 pts

"Smooth and spicy, with a touch of caramel weaving through the fig and fresh hay flavors, lingering on the harmonious finish. Sauvignon Blanc & Semillon. Drink now through 2010."
- Wine Spectator (July 2008), 89 pts

National Retail Price: $42.95 / bottle

shelf talker

#W0EE162005CSL
UPC code: 7 84585 00516 1
2008 Delille Cellars, Chaleur Estate, Red, Yakima Valley 12/750ml
Made from 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot
The 2008 Chaleur Estate Red has a restrained nose of black cherry, plum, graphite, vanilla, fresh sage, thyme and white pepper. The palate is complete from front to back, boasting the high pedigree of its venerable vineyard sources along with the balance of the 2008 vintage. In the mouth, the black cherry and plum carry through from the nose augmented with rich notes of vanilla, bittersweet chocolate and espresso powder. This vintage shows the elegant side of Chaleur Estate and it’s stunning, for sure. As usual, cellaring will improve this wine for years to come, though it can be hard to resist drinking now.

2007 Delille Cellars, Chaleur Estate, Red, Yakima Valley 6/750ml
"The 2007 Chaleur Estate is composed of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, with the balance Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot sourced from 4 vineyards with 95% of the fruit coming from the Red Mountain AVA. Deep crimson-colored, it offers up an enticing aromatic array of cigar box, Asian spices, mineral, herbs, violets, black currant, and blackberry. Medium to full-bodied, on the palate it is dense, savory, and structured with enough ripe tannin to evolve for another 3-4 years. It has a drinking window extending from 2013 to 2027."
- Wine Advocate (Aug. 2010), 93 pts

"The tannins are a tad prickly, but this is ripe and generous, striking a compelling balance between dark fruit-mainly black cherry-and roasted red pepper notes, mingling on the focused finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Best from 2012 through 2017.—H.S."
- Wine Spectator (Insider May 18th 2011) - 92 pts

#W0EE162033CSL
UPC code: 7 84585 00516 1
2006 Delille Cellars, Chaleur Estate, Red, Yakima Valley 6/750ml
Made from 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot

The 2006 Chaleur Estate definitely embodies the vintage, yet remains classic Chaleur Estate.  From its black-purple robe and the rose of blackberries, blueberries, violets, and Asian spice, you know you are about ready to enjoy Chaleur Estate.  The palate is concentrated and fresh, dense with black fruits, vanilla cream, and cardamom spice notes, with a lingering and balanced finish. 

"The 2006 Chaleur Estate is a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, and the balance Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot sourced predominantly from the Red Mountain AVA. Purple-colored, it displays an enticing bouquet of toast, spice box, black currant and blackberry. Already complex on the palate, it has superb density and outstanding integration of oak, tannin, and acidity. Give this lengthy effort another 4-6 years of cellaring and drink it from 2013 to 2021."
- Wine Advocate (October 2009), 92 pts

#W0EE162028SBS
UPC code: 7 84585 00516 1
2005 Delille Cellars, Chaleur Estate, Red, Yakima Valley 6/750ml
Made from 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot
This wine exhibits a powerhouse nose of blueberries, grapes and exotic black fruits, cassis, tar and star anise.  This is the most concentrated Chaleur Estate to date with currants, blueberries, flowers, sweet whiskey, black olives and cream flavors.  All this pleasure with firm ripe tannins, a seamless structure and a mile-long finish.

"Smooth, round and harmonious, offering an elegant mouthful of creamy, spice-accented black cherry, black currant and plum flavors, nicely fashioned to breeze through a veil of fine tannins on the beautifully focused finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2015."
- Wine Spectator Advance (Sept 2008), 93 pts

"Bright ruby-red. Cassis, boysenberry, tar and brown spices on the nose. Sweet and sexy on entry, then powerful and a bit youthfully aggressive in the middle, with a bit of alcohol (actually 14.9%) currently muting the black fruit flavors. This solidly structured wine finishes with excellent tannic grip but is currently a bit clenched. I'd give it five years of cellaring, at which time I suspect it will merit a higher score."
- International Wine Cellar (Nov 08), 91+ pts


National Retail price: $79.95/bottle

shelf talker

#W0EE162004CSL
UPC code: 7 84585 00514 7
2007 Delille Cellars, Harrison Hill, Yakima Valley 12/750ml
This year‘s Harrison Hill is a bigger and darker version, while retaining the classic Harrison Hill characters of old-vine Cabernet Sauvignon and its unique terroir. The nose features a bewitching combination of Bing cherries, plums, lead pencil, violets, and wild herbs. On the palate this wine surprised us with its density and power, yet retained the elegance and long, silky finish that are so characteristic for Harrison Hill. Definitely one for the cellar; or put a young bottle in the decanter for an hour before enjoying.

"The 2007 Harrison Hill (located in Yakima Valley, the second oldest vineyard in Washington) is made up of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, with the balance Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Dark ruby-colored, it proffers an inviting nose of sandalwood, pencil lead, herbs, violets, black cherry, black currant, and plum. Sweetly-fruited, succulent, and spicy on the palate, this well-balanced offering will benefit from 2-3 years of cellaring and deliver prime drinking from 2013 to 2027."
- Wine Advocate (Aug. 2010), 92 pts

#W0EE162032CSL
UPC code: 7 84585 00514 7
2006 Delille Cellars, Harrison Hill, Yakima Valley 12/750ml
Made from 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot
This year’s Harrison Hill shows off its unique terroir with a pretty, charming nose of fresh cherries, lead pencil, and Provence herbs. The palate, as usual, shows great elegance and breed with cherries and cassis on the palate. A very silky mouthfeel, and understated but present structure mark this as a classic Harrison Hill. Did we forget to mention delicious?

"The 2006 Harrison Hill has essentially the same cepage as the Chaleur Estate but here the fruit is all from a single Yakima Valley vineyard, the second oldest in Washington. Dark ruby-colored, it offers up a fragrant nose of wood smoke, sage, mineral, incense, black currant, and blackberry. Smooth-textured, ripe, and savory on the palate, this intense effort will evolve for 3-5 more years and drink well through 2021."
- Wine Advocate (October 2009), 92 pts

#W0EE162028CSL
UPC code: 7 84585 00514 7
2005 Delille Cellars, Harrison Hill, Yakima Valley 12/750ml
Made from 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot
Smoky, concentrated black cherries, black pepper, lavender and strawberry leaf aromas start the profile of this immensely complex wine. Hints of Provence herbs add character.  Big size and a tight-knit structure dominate this version of the Harrison Hill due to the massive concentration and extraction of the 2005 vintage.  With its balanced ripe tannins, classic structure and toasty vanilla oak, this wine will be long-lived vintage

"(a Bordeaux blend based on 65% cabernet sauvignon) Medium red. Complex nose offers strawberry, tobacco, lavender and subtle herbal nuances. Lush, sweet and spicy, combining noteworthy breadth and good juicy definition. Finishes with sweet tannins and solid backbone for aging. This has an old-viney quality from a cabernet component dating back to 1962."
- International Wine Cellar (Nov 08), 92 pts


National Retail price: $79.95/bottle

#W0EE162003BLL
UPC code: 7 84585 00512 3
2008 Delille Cellars, D2, Red Bordeaux, Columbia Valley 12/750ml
55% Merlot, 39% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot
In an outstanding Merlot year coupled with the addition of Red Willow Vineyard Merlot to the blend, our 2008 D2 does not disappoint and can be expected to stand out as a stellar example of the vintage. This wine has an extremely expressive nose of toasted black cherries, violets, lavender, thyme, all encapsulated in subtle mocha espresso from the oak. On the palate, rich dark fruits of blackberries and black cherries co-mingle with chocolate nuances. The 2008 D2 is extremely charming, rich and unusually complex -- a truly exceptional vintage for D2

#W0EE162001BLL
UPC code: 7 84585 00512 3
2007 Delille Cellars, D2, Red Bordeaux, Columbia Valley 12/750ml
51% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot
The bouquet of the deeply violet-colored 2007 D2 jumps out of the glass with plums, rainier cherries, vanilla, spiced currents, caramel, tobacco, and a touch of toasted coconut flakes. This wine is rich on the palate with D2’s trademark lush mouth feel and tones of dark fruits, mocha, and an assortment of baking spices. Another winner from a perennial favorite.
"The red wines begin with the 2007 D2, a blend of 51% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, with the balance Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. A total of 7 vineyards were sourced with 68% of the fruit coming from the Red Mountain AVA. Purple in color with an alluring bouquet of balsam wood, Asian spices, incense, cassis, and blackberry, on the palate it is lush with layered black fruits, plenty of spice, savory flavors, excellent volume, and a lengthy fruit-filled finish. Give it 3-4 years of additional bottle age and drink it from 2013 to 2027. In the scheme of things, it is an excellent value."
- Wine Advocate (Aug. 2010), 92 pts

"This blend of 51% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot takes its name from Bordeaux’s Route D2 which cuts through the Chateaux countryside. It offers up a rich, aromatic nose of raspberry, crushed roses, lavender and tobacco with plush and supple flavors that show undertones of licorice, cocoa and mocha and finish with a sprinkling of nutmeg and clove on the warm ripe tannin finish."
18.5/20 points
www.reviewofwashingtonwines.com


#W0EE162030BLL
UPC code: 7 84585 00512 3
2006 Delille Cellars, D2, Red Bordeaux, Columbia Valley 12/750ml
52.5% Merlot, 38.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot
Complex nose of red currants, cedar, pencil lead, white meadow flowers, and mocha.  The freshness and lift on the palate definitely represents the 2006 vintage, with red currants and mulberries supported by toffee and vanilla oak notes. 

"The red wines begin with the 2006 D2, a blend of 52.5% Merlot, 38.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the balance Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot sourced from 8 vineyards, much of the fruit from the Red Mountain AVA. Dark ruby-colored, it delivers an expressive perfume of spice box, earth notes, violets, cassis, and blackberry. Elegant on the palate, it has ample ripe, succulent fruit, excellent depth and concentration, and a pure, fruit-filled finish. It has the structure to evolve for 2-3 years but can be enjoyed now."
- Wine Advocate (October 2009), 91 pts


2005 Delille Cellars, D2, Red Bordeaux, Columbia Valley 12/750ml
(a blend of 51% merlot, 38% cabernet sauvignon, 8% cabernet franc and 3% petit verdot).
Deep ruby-red. Sweet black cherry, violet and graphite on the nose. Concentrated, lively and penetrating, with red fruit and mineral flavors nicely framed by ripe acidity. This combines a firm spine with an attractively pliant texture and enticing sweetness. Classy wine for the price
- International Wine Cellar (Nov 08), 91 pts

National Retail Price: $44.95 / bottle