For years, DeLille Cellars’ white Bordeaux-style blend, Chaleur Blanc, has been a favorite among wine lovers and collectors. The Sauvignon Blanc/Sémillon blend is a world-class wine that showcases traditional French blending techniques with the unique terroir of Washington State. Wine critic Stephen Tanzer exclaimed, “It is no exaggeration to compare this Sauvignon Blanc/Sémillon blend to the finest white Bordeaux bottlings made in oak”. He described the blend as an “utterly distinctive wine for Washington in terms of its texture, purity, complexity, savory character and ageability”.
We are proud to present the newly released 2022 vintage of this beloved wine, rated 94 points from Owen Bargreen, this vintage is bright, energetic, and on its release date possesses wonderful tension. More prominent than recent vintages, classic Sauvignon Blanc notes of gooseberry lead on the nose, followed by whiffs of green apple, apricot and white flowers. The palate has flavors of lemon brioche and peach-infused mascarpone, buttressed with flinty, mineral qualities. The finish is round and defined by its length and enticing freshness.
Chaleur Blanc (about 70% Sauvignon Blanc and 30% Sémillon) is sourced from a variety of Columbia Valley vineyards including Boushey, Sagemoor, Klipsun, Phinny Hill and Conner Lee.
Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon
Boushey Vineyard is located near Sunnyside, Washington in the Yakima Valley AVA. It is a cooler site offering long hang-time complexity, allowing the grapes to develop great expression and depth.
Sauvignon Blanc
Sagemoor® Bacchus is the leading source of old vine Washington fruit and is home to over 16 acres of 1972 Sauvignon Blanc plantings. Today, after 50+ years of experimentation and feedback from winery partners, the vineyard continues to grow acclaimed Sauvignon Blanc grapes.
Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon
Located on the southwest slope of Red Mountain, Klipsun Vineyard was founded in 1982 by Patricia and David Gelles and grows some of Washington’s highest-quality wine grapes. Named as one of the Top 25 Vineyards in the World by Wine & Spirits magazine, Klipsun grapes are used in many of Washington’s premium wines.
Sauvignon Blanc
First planted in 1998, Phinny Hill is a highly acclaimed vineyard in the Horse Heaven Hills AVA. The vineyard is known for Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc grapes.
Conne Lee Vineyard sits on the upper east end of the Wahluke Slope. The vineyard contains fine sandy loam soils and was shaped by the Missoula floods of the Pleistocene era. Relatively cool, long ripening seasons produce wines of texture and balance.
DeLille Cellars pioneered two red Bordeaux-style blends for its first vintage in 1992, Chaleur Estate and D2. These wines were produced with a focus on Red Mountain and showcasing the premier fruit of acclaimed vineyards in the Columbia Valley. In 1994, DeLille crafted another Bordeaux blend, Harrison Hill, from a historic vineyard located in the Snipes Mountain AVA, a sub-appellation of Yakima Valley, which itself is a sub-appellation of the larger Columbia Valley.
With three red blends gaining international notoriety from key critics, including Robert Parker Jr., the winery sought its next feat of French inspiration via white wine. California Chardonnay was already saturating the market, and DeLille Founding Winemaker Chris Upchurch knew the winery had a calling to produce the first white Bordeaux-style blend in Washington State.
What better place to learn than the most prominent old-world wineries in Bordeaux? Upchurch and Co-Founder Jay A. Soloff set off on a journey to France, seeking wisdom and experience from world-renowned wineries such as Château Margaux, Château Haut-Brion, and Château Bellegrave. Read more about the founders’ journey and Chaleur Blanc history here.
Order your bottle of Chaleur Blanc today and taste what critics have been raving about.
