A Washington State icon, DeLille Cellars ‘Chaleur Blanc’ was the brainchild of former DeLille winemaker Chris Upchurch, who was inspired by the great white wines of Bordeaux. DeLille Cellars was the first winery in Washington to focus on creating Bordeaux style wine blends and makes arguably the best Bordeaux style white wine in North America with its ‘Chaleur Blanc.’ This white wine has become one of the Pacific Northwest’s most popular and is smattered across great wine lists from the Edgewater Hotel to El Gaucho steakhouse. DeLille sources from their estate, 20-acre vineyard in Red Mountain as well as premier vineyards throughout the Columbia Valley. I have been really impressed with this winery and what they have produced over the past ten years. Their tasting room at the former Red Hook brewery in Woodinville is a must visit if you love wine tasting.
Director of winemaking Jason Gorski has been at the helm now for more than ten years. Taking over for Chris Peterson, he has done a masterful job with the DeLIlle wine program. The new 2021 DeLille Cellars ‘Chaleur Blanc’ White Wine (OB, 94) is deep and concentrated with fantastic underlying finesse. Its s a gorgeous rendition that will surely cellar well for another eight plus years. Learn more about this fantastic winery at www.delillecellars.com Here are the great new release wines from DeLille.
2021 DeLille Cellars ‘Chaleur Blanc’ White Wine- The fabulous DeLille Cellars ‘Chaleur Blanc’ White Wine is a blend of Sauvignon Blanc (67%) and Semillon (33%) sourced from a range of vineyards that span the Columbia Valley. Once on the nose this shows ripe papaya notes alongside mango, buttered brioche and suggestions of white grapefruit blossom. The palate is soft and beautifully textured, with a killer combination of weight and bright acidity. Right now the Semillon with its nutty and Don’t serve this too cool so you can take in the electric range of flavors and aromas. Gratifying in its bright youth, this beauty will easily go for another eight to ten years. Drink 2022-2032- 94
2020 DeLille Cellars ‘Maverick Vineyard’ Chardonnay- The Maverick Vineyard is owned and managed by Oregon wine legend Tony Rynders, as this Chardonnay comes from a single block set on marine sedimentary soils. Aged in 50% new French oak, this reveals flinty tones alongside Challah bread, Pink Lady apple and juicy white peach flavors. Very clean and fresh, this will no doubt pick up nutty and earthy tones as it lays in the cellar. Drink 2022-2030- 92