SHOP / 2022 Red Willow Blend
Varietal
78% Cabernet Franc
22% Merlot
Appellation
Yakima Valley AVA
Aging
Drink now or age 15+ years.
Vineyard
Red Willow
2022 Red Willow Blend
Yakima Valley AVA
The 2022 Red Willow Blend is Cabernet Franc (78%) dominant, and welcomes the company of the 1993 Merlot (22%) block that provides roundness and length. The blend leads with aromas and flavors of sweet bell pepper, pink peppercorn, and allspice, accentuated by fresh raspberry and Bing cherry. Each sip begins with a soft, almost creamy texture, and finishes with a prominent spice and firm, ripe tannins. With time in the glass, the wine will continue to open revealing inviting aromas of red currant and tobacco leaf. The complexities of this wine will develop beautifully over the next 15+ years, but drink now in confidence.
93 Points
— James Suckling
93 Points
This fragrant red shows aromas of dried flowers, blackberries, wild raspberries and chili chocolate. It’s silky and polished on the palate with fine-grained tannins and lots of energy. Long and delicious. 78% cabernet franc and 22% merlot. Drink from 2026.
March 2025
Additional Scores:
94
Wine Enthusiast
2021 Vintage
92
Vinous
2021 Vintage
92
James Suckling
2021 Vintage
Behind the Wine
2022 Red Willow 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 (57% new). Bottle aged 10 months prior to release.