Recognized as one of Washington States premier wineries, DeLille Cellars was founded in 1992 by Charles and Greg Lill, Jay Soloff and winemaker Chris Upchurch. Their attention to detail and quality in their Bordeaux-style blends brought acclaim early on, not just to the winery but helped raise eyes as to the state’s grand potential as a world-class wine grape growing region.
DeLille’s collection includes Rhône-style wines as well as their flagship Bordeaux reds and whites. Winemaker Jason Gorski joined the team in 2010 and continues to elevate their 27-year tradition of excellence. You can taste their wines in Woodinville and Kirkland at these locations.
Below are reviews of two white wines, a red and a Rosé:
DeLille Cellars 2018 Chaleur Blanc, $35
Editor’s Choice – Outstanding (91-94 pts.)
This dry white Bordeaux-style blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon teases the senses with exotic aromas of grapefruit, lemon thyme, summer rain forest and a plume of citrus perfume. Sleek and firmly structured, the juicy palate is further joined by an intriguing mix of passion fruit, kiwi, eucalyptus oil and hints of orange essence that linger on the lengthy aftertaste.
Blend of: 71% Sauvignon Blanc, 29% Semillon
DeLille Cellars 2017 Métier, $38
Editor’s Choice – Outstanding (91-94 pts.)
This Rhône varietal red blend is notable for its plush, polished mouthfeel and offers floral aromas and distinguished flavors of red berries, ripe black plum and cracked peppercorn, with overtones of dried herbs and earthy minerality. The rich flavors coalesce on the elegant, long and smooth finish buoyed by fine tannins that lend grip.
Blend of: 39% Grenache, 39% Mourvedre, 19% Syrah, 3% Cinsault
DeLille Cellars 2018 Roussanne, $35
Editor’s Choice – Outstanding (91-94 pts.)
It’s rather uncommon to find this white Rhône varietal bottled solo as it is often blended with Marsanne, yet it has been a mainstay at DeLille since the 2004 vintage. An exceptional version, made with fruit grown on Red Mountain’s famed Ciel du Cheval vineyard. The structure is crisp and snappy, yet there is a creamy feel, laden with peach, green apple, star fruit and melon flavors that meld with an undertow of savory limestone character on the finish.
100% Roussanne
DeLille Cellars 2018 Rosé, $32
Editor’s Choice – Outstanding (91-94 pts.)
A rush of ripe strawberry, raspberry and Rainier cherry aromatics arise from the glass, back by complementary flavors of watermelon rind and orange bitters tempered with dried savory herbs. Built in a rich and bold fashion that impresses with well-balanced acidity on the harmonious finish.
Blend of: 52% Grenache, 39% Mourvedre, 9% Cinsault