SHOP / 2021 Chaleur Estate Red Blend
Varietal
65% Cabernet Sauvignon
25% Merlot
9% Cabernet Franc
1% Petit Verdot
Appellation
Red Mountain AVA
Aging
Drink Now or Age 5 to 20 Years
Vineyard
Ciel du Cheval
DuBrul
Klipsun
2021 Chaleur Estate Red Blend
Red Mountain AVA
The 2021 Chaleur Estate displays the power of the vintage with aromas of red currants, charred black cherry, dark chocolate and peat moss. The wine is laser focused and has incredible richness and mouthfeel, without feeling heavy. The tannins are ripe and full and accompanied by flavors of marionberry compote, iodine, cedar, and olive tapenade. The layers of dense dark fruits, savory barrel and baking spices and polished full tannins are interwoven beautifully. Enjoy on release with a patient decant or cellar 20+ years.
94 Points
— James Suckling
94 Points
This attractive Bordeaux-style blend has a majority of cabernet sauvignon, plus merlot, cabernet franc and petit verdot. It is handsomely layered and rich, combining dark chocolate, black cherries, mint and cedar nuances on a bed of fine-grained tannins. Drink now or hold.
March 2024
Additional Scores:
95
Paul Gregutt's NW Wine Guide
August 2024
93
Wine Enthusiast
Cellar Selection, September 2024
94-96
Jeb Dunnuck
Barrel Tasting, June 2023
Behind the Wine
2021 Chaleur Estate Red Blend
DeLille Cellars’ inaugural wine, Chaleur Estate marks the foundation on which the winery has built its craft of blending Washington State fruit in the traditional style. This wine is a Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant blend of Bordeaux varietals, with a focus on Red Mountain vineyards. The result is a wine of depth, complexity, focus and elegance that personifies the French word for warmth, chaleur.
Vineyards
Ciel du Cheval is one of Washington’s most prestigious vineyards. The 1982 planting of Cabernet Sauvignon at this famed Red Mountain site is the backbone of Chaleur Estate.
Winemaking
Stainless steel fermented, 14-16 days on skins. Barrel aged 20 months in French oak (93% new). Bottle aged 10 months prior to release.