Two of our wines, 2020 Yakima Valley Minuit and 2020 Yakima Valley Le Colosse scored 93 points in Jeremy Young’s International Wine Report. Read the reviews below, and shop these acclaimed blends on our website or at our Woodinville tasting room!
Minuit was crafted via countless trial iterations of Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon at the blending table, seeking unity and balance. Meaning “midnight,” it is the time of day that delineates one day from the next, at once the beginning of something new and the end of a defined and fundamental cycle. This wine, black as night, embodies this notion: the conclusion of our journey in the vineyard and cellar, and the beginning of discovering the wine’s potential in the bottle and in the glass.
“The 2020 Minuit is a blend of 70% Malbec and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon that is aged for 18 months in 100% French oak barrels, with 60% being new. Crushed boysenberries, cedary herbs, vanilla bean, and a touch of anise seed spill from the glass. Medium-bodied in weight, it sports crunchy tannins, elevated acidity, and a blue-fruit and earth-driven finish. Enjoy this one now with a heavy decant or over the next decade.” – Jeremy Young, International Wine Report
The union of Malbec (72%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (28%) prove their compatibility once again in our 2020 Minuit, offering aromas of blueberry compote, green peppercorn, fennel seed, and wild blackberry. The Malbec adds juicy, brambly fruits and a fleshy texture that begs for the well-structured Red Mountain Cabernet, which in turn adds a touch of sanguine and tobacco leaf. The palate shows great concentration and weight, with the vibrant dark fruits elevating the wine and bringing energy to the finish. Best enjoyed with your favorite meats from the grill. – N.B.
Commonly attributed to Isaac Newton, although most likely originating centuries earlier, the expression “if I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants” refers to the constant discovery and accomplishment only possible due to the previous effort and exploration by others. “Le Colosse” invokes the people, vineyards, and winemaking techniques that we seek to relentlessly build upon. For over a quarter-century, we have endeavored to use this incredible foundation to craft wines of character and balance unique to DeLille, while being true to the distinct style of Washington State.
“100% Merlot coming from the Boushey, Harrison Hill, and DuBrul vineyards, it sees 55% new French oak for about 18 months. Displaying a gorgeous neon ruby core with a blueish rim in the glass, it boasts notes of black cherry, crushed raspberry, toasted Christmas spices, and pine needle forest. Crunchy red fruits glide across the palate while the finish has a lovely allspice aspect on the back palate to finish things off.” – Jeremy Young, International Wine Report
The 2020 Le Colosse is defined by its dreamy texture, layered dark and red fruits and being sourced from four of the most iconic Merlot sites in the state. The wine opens with whiffs of raspberry, black cherry, cinnamon stick and forest floor. The velvety mouthfeel is luxurious, with firm acid that allows the fruit to pop and just the right amount of new oak (70%) to add structure and more roundness. Milk chocolate, cinnamon stick and red currant dance on the palate, leading to an extensive finish. Easily enjoy now or cellar 10+ years. – N.B.
Founded on the concept of crafting world-class wine from Washington State, the founders of DeLille Cellars believed that all good blends transcend the sum of their individual parts, and this principle and company philosophy of “always seeking” guides the winery’s commitment to constant improvement, continuous discovery in the cellar, and ultimately the creation of exceptional Washington wines. Continue exploring on our blog, or head over to our wine shop to browse our acclaimed blends and single-varietal wines.
