SHOP / 2021 Red Willow Red Blend
Varietal
76% Cabernet Franc
24% Merlot
Appellation
Yakima Valley AVA
Aging
Drink Now or Age 12+ Years
Vineyard
Red Willow
2021 Red Willow Red Blend
Yakima Valley AVA
2021 is the first vintage of our Red Willow Blend that is dominated by the dynamic Cabernet Franc (76%) grape, from two blocks planted in 1995 and 1989. The Cab Franc offers lovely aromas of tobacco leaf, green peppercorn, crème de cassis and black cherry notes. The Merlot (24%), from a 1985 planting at the site, rounds the palate out and helps create a seamless transition from the entry to the long, graceful finish. Pomegranate, milk chocolate, and herbs de Provence are noted on the palate, with a subtle spiciness that brings a delightful sense of freshness. This wine is a stunner on release and will surely cellar for 12+ years.
94 Points
— Michael Alberty, Wine Enthusiast
94 Points
Fruit from one of my favorite vineyards anywhere is used to skillfully craft a 76% Cabernet Franc-24% Merlot blend that is built for cellaring. The Red Willow is packed with aromas and flavors of Chelan cherries, orange peel, rosemary thyme and a burst of balsa. The wine, with its muscular tannins, feels lean and chewy in the mouth. Enjoy 2025–2037.
September 2024
Behind the Wine
2021 Red Willow Red Blend
Since the winery’s inception in 1992, DeLille Cellars has partnered with Red Willow Vineyard, home to some of the oldest vines in Washington State. Tied directly to the origin of wine grape growing in the state, the initial vines were planted under the viticultural direction of Dr. Walter Clore, who is widely considered the father of Washington wine. The venerable Master of Wine, David Lake, DeLille Cellars’ consulting enologist in the formative years, introduced founding winemaker Chris Upchurch to vineyard owner Mike Sauer, forging a relationship essential not only to the winery, but also to the narrative of Washington wine. As Red Willow is home to Washington’s first commercial planting of the varietal, the foundation of this blend is sourced from Cabernet Franc
Winemaking
Single Vineyard Blend from Red Willow Vineyard. Stainless steel fermented, 14-16 days on skins. Barrel aged 20 months in French oak (64% new). Bottle aged 10 months prior to release.