Our team is excited to share the latest scores from Sean Sullivan’s Northwest Wine Report. The publication is dedicated to showcasing the wines and wineries of the Pacific Northwest throughout Washington, Oregon, Idaho and British Columbia. Read the reviews below and shop DeLille Cellars Washington wine at our Woodinville tasting room or online.
2020 Four Flags Cabernet Sauvignon – 93 points, Cellar StockerAs always, fruit for this wine comes from DeLille’s four Red Mountain pillars – Upchurch (44%), Grand Ciel (28%), Klipsun (19%), and Ciel du Cheval. Aged 20 months in French oak (82% new), scorched earth, black cherry, barrel spice, and graphite aromas lead to generous, creamy-feeling, layered fruit and barrel flavors. The appeal is as much about feel as flavor, with fruit and barrel both playing prominent parts. It’s drinking beautifully now but will only ramp up with time in the cellar. Best from 2028-2036. 14.1% alcohol. 1,600 cases produced. Natural cork.
2020 Klipsun Cabernet Sauvignon – 90 pointsComing from one of this appellation’s top sites, the aromas offer piercingly pure notes of black currant along with fresh herb, tangerine rind, and flower. Plump, silky-soft fruit flavors follow. Toast and dark coffee notes linger on the finish. It’s a pretty interpretation of this variety and appellation, with the tannins very soft and refined for this site. 14.2% alcohol. 185 cases produced. Natural cork.
Coming from one of the state’s top sites, this is predominantly Cabernet Franc (47%) and Merlot (40%), with the rest Cabernet Sauvignon. Dark raspberry, bittersweet chocolate, spice, and licorice aromas are followed by rich, generous, layered dark fruit flavors that come in wave after wave. The textural feel is stunning. What a tribute to this esteemed site. 14.5% alcohol. 575 cases produced. Natural cork.
2020 Chaleur Estate – 92 points, Cellar StockerThis is DeLille’s flagship offering that the winery has been making since its inception in 1992. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (63%), Merlot (24%), Cabernet Franc (11%), and Petit Verdot, the aromas are arresting, with notes of coffee, blackberry, bramble, black currant, black tea, cocoa, spice, and scorched earth. Well-balanced chocolate and cherry flavors follow. Cocoa notes linger on the finish. It brings direct appeal as well as freshness. Give it time in the cellar to see it at its best. Enjoy from 2027 to 2038. 14.6% alcohol. 625 cases produced. Natural cork.
2020 Minuit – 92 points, Critic’s ChoiceMalbec comprises 72% of this wine, with the rest Cabernet Sauvignon. Chocolate, coffee, plum, cherry, whole orange, and spice aromas lead to supple, juicy fruit flavors. A lightly grainy feel backs it all up. It’s a very pleasing interplay of these two varieties, showing class and detail. 14.2% alcohol. 1,400 cases produced. TCA-free microagglomerated cork.
2020 Harrison Hill Snipes Mountain – 91 points, Cellar StockerWith fruit coming from some of the oldest Cabernet Sauvignon vines in the state, this is Washington wine history in a bottle. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (65%), Merlot (23%), and Cabernet Franc, aromas of tea leaves, violet, licorice, whole pepper, crushed flower, and black cherry lead to lighter styled, downright elegant flavors. Chocolate notes linger on the finish. It’s a throwback wine for Washington but a classic style for this site, all about the sophistication and elegance of these old vines. Enjoy after 2025. 13.4% alcohol. 300 cases produced. Natural cork.
2020 Red Willow Malbec – 91 points, Critic’s ChoiceVarietal Malbec is a relative rarity from this esteemed vineyard. Blackberry, espresso, satsuma, and chocolate aromas lead to well-balanced blue and black fruit flavors. Polished tannins provide support. A long finish caps it off. It’s captivating. 14.2% alcohol. 185 cases produced. cases produced. Natural cork.
Don’t take our word for it – see why Washington wine is a premier wine region. Explore other reviews from Robert Parker Advocate, Wine Enthusiast and Vinous on our blog and order your bottle today.
