Today we share one of the greats of Woodinville. DeLille Cellars is a historic Washington winery that helped put both Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux style white wine on the new world map for the state. Meeting with director of winemaking Jason Gorski, we shared our thoughts on what was a spectacular vertical tasting of their ‘Grand Ciel’ which comes from their estate holdings on Red Mountain. The Grand Ciel Syrah is a single clone (383) wine that comes from their site on Red Mountain. Stem inclusion was added after 2020 (small amount). The wine has been traditionally stored in 35-40% new French oak.
They are doing a gift set of three vintages of Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon each, which is only available for purchase at their Woodinville and Seattle locations. “I wanted to be sure we had a warmer vintage in there and the ‘12s are at the point where we want customers to enjoy” said Gorski.
The Cabernet Sauvignon is also a single clone wine from a single block at the Grand Ciel vineyard. The wine is always stored in 100% new French oak before bottling. “By 2017 we are close to half native fermentation and by ’22 it is all native fermented.” Gorski described the 2012 drinking right now at peak with some secondary notes. I completely agreed.
Out of the tasting, I am enamored by the 2012 ‘Grand Ciel’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 96) which is one of the finest wines from this vintage that I have recently enjoyed. This one is right at its peak. Learn more at DeLillecellars.com and here are my reviews of the ‘Grand Ciel’ wines by DeLille.
2012 DeLille Cellars ‘Grand Ciel’ Syrah- The 2012 DeLille Cellars ‘Grand Ciel’ Syrah opens with smoked brisket notes on the nose with black olives, black licorice and gorgeous purple rose petals. The palate is well-structured, fresh, dense and delicious, loaded with chocolate and dark fruits, with Christmas spices. Drink 2025-2031- 94
2017 DeLille Cellars ‘Grand Ciel’ Syrah- The 2017 DeLille Cellars ‘Grand Ciel’ Syrah comes from this slightly cooler vintage. Once on the nose this takes on black plum, Asian spices and Earl Grey tea alongside dark chocolate shavings. The palate is dense and plush with a refined mouthfeel and loads of rich black fruits. This is extraordinarily good to drink right now. Drink 2025-2033- 95
2022 DeLille Cellars ‘Grand Ciel’ Syrah-- An outstanding, fresh new bottling, the 2022 DeLille Cellars ‘Grand Ciel’ Syrah (clone 383) was aged in mainly neutral oak (38% new French oak) prior to bottling. Beef drippings, green peppercorns and mocha flavors combine with creosote notes on the nose. The palate is both mineral-laden and viscous with a round mouthfeel. Gorgeous now, enjoy over the next decade. Drink 2025-2035- 95
2012 DeLille Cellars ‘Grand Ciel’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Salty, savory and herbal, the highly Bordelaise 2012 DeLille Cellars ‘Grand Ciel’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a gorgeous wine that is really peaking right now. Bay leaf and red bell pepper notes combine with fresh sage and black currants. The palate is dense and harmonious, with a refined mouthfeel and glorious sense of length. Enjoy this beauty now and over the next eight plus years to come. Drink 2025-2033- 96
2017 DeLille Cellars ‘Grand Ciel’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Another decadent bottling, the 2017 DeLille Cellars ‘Grand Ciel’ Cabernet Sauvignon. It is dense and delicious, powerful stuff that is like a iron fist in a velvet glove. Elegant tannins frame a gorgeous core of Black Forest cake alongside loganberry compote, graphite and shades of sagebrush. This still has a long road ahead of it. Drink 2025-2037- 96
2022 DeLille Cellars ‘Grand Ciel’ Cabernet Sauvignon- A stunning new bottling, the 2022 DeLille Cellars ‘Grand Ciel’ Cabernet Sauvignon comes off very fresh and elegant, with terrific flavor density considering the coolness of the vintage. This is fat and round on the mouth, with plenty of roasted fig, blackberry and black cherry flavors that combine wth serious freshness. This is just a baby that has a long way to go in the cellar. Drink 2025-2042- 96