Newcomers to DeLille Cellars will quickly learn what devout wine club members already know—every wine in the collection, whether red or white, is flawlessly crafted with symmetry, poise and elegance. The latest move of this iconic Washington winery puts their tasting experiences and wine production all under one roof at the beautiful Hollywood Station complex built in 2019. Established in 1992, DeLille has continued to develop its reputation as a pioneer for both red and white Bordeaux inspired blends in Washington.
Arriving at DeLille in 2011, Jason Gorski was promoted to director of winemaking and viticulture in 2018. He’s been instrumental to DeLille’s success, expanding production from 10,000 cases to nearly 30,000 and improving quality. Through that growth, winery operations were separate—with production, head offices and the tasting room in different locations. Now, the DeLille team is all back in one spot.
The winery’s new home is close to 30,000-square feet, with 9,000-square-feet devoted to retail and event space, along with office space and winemaking facilities. “After 20-plus years, we’re eager to have a world-class location that will allow us to fully showcase our wines and history as well as to continue to educate and share our excitement about Washington wine,” says CEO Tom Dugan.
The Hollywood Station tasting room has three floors, with the main level open to the public, while the upper floors offer space for wine club members and corporate dinners. The rooftop deck features lovely views of the Sammamish Valley and Mount Rainier.
Readers should note that wine tastings are an all-seated experience. “Seated tastings of our portfolio as well as food and wine pairings and library tastings, are all geared toward educating customers on the quality of Washington State wine,” explains director of marketing Keri Tawney. “Our all-seated tastings are designed for quality time with our guests, which is why reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends.”
Reservations recommended: There are four tiers of all-seated tastings: $25 Classic, $30 Extended, $75 Food & Wine Pairing, $100 Library. The tasting room is located at 14300 NE 145th St., Suite 101, Woodinville. Open daily 11-5pm, last seating at 4:30pm. Reservations are available online at www.delillecellars.com, or via email at tastingroom@delillecellars.com, or phone (425) 489-0544.
Below are six releases we currently reviewed:
DeLille Cellars 2017 Chaleur Estate, $85
Editor’s Choice – Extraordinary, 95 pts.
This Left Bank Bordeaux style red was handpicked and barrel aged for 20 months and then aged at least another nine months in bottle. Plush and lushly textured, leading with aromas of spice, mocha and dark stone fruit. Firm tannins underscore the palate, backed by a gentle edge of steeped blackberry, cassis and black cherry fruit infused with light accents of violet, tea and dried herbs. The finish is everlasting, cut with fine graphite and mineral notes.
DeLille Cellars 2017 Four Flags Cabernet Sauvignon, $75
Editor’s Choice – Extraordinary, 95 pts.
Ultra stylish and satiny, this blend of four world-class Red Mountain vineyards flows onto the palate like silk ribbon, showing saturated flavors of blackberry, red currant, cigar box, dusky spice and minerality. Sleek firm tannins drive the powerful yet elegant finish, pulling all the elements and purity of fruit together in harmony.
DeLille Cellars 2018 Chaleur Blanc, $35
Editor’s Choice – Outstanding, 92 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.
DeLille Cellars 2017 D2, $48
Editor’s Choice – Outstanding, 93 pts.
This Bordeaux varietal blend has become the winery’s most sought after label. Firm, polished tannins are backed by elegant tobacco, raspberry, black currant and dried cranberry flavors neatly layered with cacao chocolate and black plum. Ethereal in texture, the pillowy front gains energy and weight on the mid-palate, stretching out with fresh vibrancy as it nears the long finish.
DeLille Cellars 2017 Doyenne, $45
Editor’s Choice – Outstanding, 93 pts.
A brilliant blend of Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon from six premium vineyards, this full-bodied red is sleek and powerfully structured with notable concentration behind rich flavors of cassis, red berry and violet flavors matched with mineral and floral dried herb accents. The finish shows exceptional length, combining finessed tannins with flattering notes of anise and blue-tinged fruit that weave through the vibrant aftertaste.
DeLille Cellars 2017 Signature Syrah, $46
Editor’s Choice – Outstanding, 92 pts.
Co-fermented with two percent Viognier, this version is supple and rich, with aromas of violet, plum and citrus hints. The palate flavors strike a solid balance between saturated fruit of wild blueberry, blackberry and fig with savory elements of white pepper, gravel and dried sage. Extremely well tuned, with a light thread of orange bitters that add complexity to the long, mouthcoating finish.