We are excited to share 30+ 90+ point reviews from wine critic Anthony Mueller at Robert Parker Wine Advocate. Read all about these top-scoring wines, and gather some inspiration for your next cellar-stocking!
“Instantly impressive, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Grand Ciel is broad, focused and fruity, with layers of seductive complexity that continue to waft from the glass. Full-bodied, impressively layered and textured, the Cabernet offers profound pleasure that sings with harmony and unison of world-class wine. Gobs of dusty dark red fruit tones give way to a lively mineral tension before juicy spiced plum and blackberry reduction somersault across the almost unending finish. It’s a fantastic wine that proves Washington Cabernet deserves to be in the private collection of serious collectors worldwide. Just under 3,700 bottles were made after the wine rested for almost two years in 100% new French oak. This is worth seeking out. Drink from 2025-2050.” – Anthony Mueller
There are wonderful notes upfront of cassis, black currant and kirsch liqueur. The oak aromas gently offer hints of cinnamon stick, clove, caramel and vanilla bean. The depth and subtle nuances of this wine are best experienced after a lengthy decant, as truffle, graphite and tobacco leaf are discovered. At this early stage, the tannins are already quite resolved, approachable, and guide the alluring finish. This wine will surely age as long as you are able to cellar it.
“Coming from four vineyards—Upchurch, Grand Ciel, Klipsun and Ciel du Cheval—the 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon Four Flags begins with an oaky nose that is precise, focused and fresh. Aromas of black and dark red fruit tones sway with a delightfully dusty mineral essence and soft red florals. Full-bodied, fresh, firm and juicy, the palate offers a fine mineral tension and succulent acidity, while a polished frame of fruit cascades across the mid-palate before ending with a succulent, food-friendly finish and lingering tannic edge. Just under 19,000 bottles were produced after the wine aged for 20 months in all French oak, 82% first fill. Bravo! Drink from 2024-2039.”
“A blend of 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, the 2020 Chaleur Estate is firm, fresh and floral with notions of elegant red berries and oak tones on the nose. Full-bodied, tight and focused, the palate offers a clean frame of picturesque cherries and red plums while exuding finesse and precision. Balanced, complex and lively, the wine continues to evolve over the long-lingering, food-friendly finish. Only 7,272 bottles were made after the wine spent almost two years in all-new French oak barrels. Drink from 2024-2042.”
“Mostly Malbec with 28% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2020 Minuit is big, juicy and plummy with fresh, dark, tightly wound and spicy red fruit on the nose with an elegant floral lift. It is full-bodied, spicy and juicy on the palate, with flavors of black raspberry and spiced plum compote, fine-grained tannins and a lingering, food-friendly finish. The wine rested for 20 months in French oak barrels, 61% new. Just over 16,000 bottles were filled. Give it a try. Drink from 2023-2036.”
“The 2021 Chaleur Blanc is made from 67% Sauvignon Blanc and 33% Sémillon. The nose is oaky, fresh and lifted with notes of yellow apples, sweet citrus and a delightfully soft mineral essence. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is focused, balanced and succulent with notions of lemon pastry cream and vanilla that sway with a delicate mineral tension. The wine concludes with a focused, fresh and lingering finish. At $42 a bottle, this is perhaps one of the best Washington Sauvignon Blanc/Sémillon blends in the market today. Just over 67,000 bottles were produced. This was almost all barrel fermented and barrel aged, with 51% new French oak. Impressive! Drink from 2023-2034.”
“The 2020 D2 Proprietary Red Wine was made from 61% Merlot, 27% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot. The nose is as brilliant as always, with focused, dark red fruits, hints of black cherry skin and oak essence that sways out of the glass. Full-bodied and mineral tensioned, the palate offers fine-grained tannins with succulent healthy fruit flavors before ending with a fresh, food-friendly finish. At these prices, buy the entire case. About 108,000 bottles were filled after the wine rested in 68% new French oak for 20 months. Bravo! Drink from 2023-2035.”
“Instantly impressive in the glass is the 2020 Harrison Hill made from 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot and 12% Cabernet Franc. The nose is focused and bright with a delightful strawberry character. It is perhaps one of the best bottlings I’ve tasted in many years, and it boggles my mind that it came from a vintage with so many challenges. The nose is devastatingly gorgeous with focused floral notes that waft with picturesque, vibrant fruit tones. Medium to full-bodied, the wine unfolds on the palate, revealing plenty of length and complexity. The wine is layered and focused, showing that its power comes not from being bold and overbearing but rather precise, focused and elegant. This gorgeous wine will continue to offer immense pleasure for decades. Just over 3,500 bottles were filled after the wine aged about two years and all French oak, 92% new. Drink from 2024-2050.”
“Marked with the intensity and power that Klipsun provides, the 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon Klipsun Vineyard is fruit-forward, hedonistic and broad-shouldered with a juicy core of fruit that overflows with dusty flowers and vibrant oak tones. Full-bodied, expressive and bold, the spicy and juicy Cabernet continues to unwind and uncoil across the complex and firmly tannic finish. It’s an absolute beauty of a Cabernet that will undoubtedly please those big, bold and juicy Cab lovers worldwide. Just under 2,200 bottles were filled after the wine aged for 20 months in all-new French oak barrels. Drink from 2035-2045.”
“Generously layered and slightly volatile at first, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Grand Ciel blossoms in the glass with rigorous spinning, revealing its dark-fruited core with dusty essence and intoxicatingly floral array. Full-bodied, generous and powerful, the mouthfeel is lush and marked with a fine mineral tension before displaying a firm tannic edge. The wine continues to reveal layers of juiciness and spiciness before somersaulting into a blockbuster finish. I have no doubt that this wine will continue to please thirsty palates for more than two decades. Bravo! Drink from 2023-2045.”
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“The 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon Shaw opens to a deep ruby core, almost opaque with firm, bold and expressive aromas that punch out of the glass with powerful, ripe and juicy cherry and plum tones that are tied to a firm backbone of brown baking spices. Full-bodied, firmly tannic and juicy, the Cabernet is elegant and spicy and will benefit from another year, maybe two, in bottle before opening. It’s an impressive wine that continues to offer succulent and spicy plum and blackberry flavors over the elongated finish. The wine aged in 100% new French oak for 20 months. Bravo! 8,532 bottles produced. Drink from 2025-2045.”
“Big, bold and broad-shouldered, the 2019 Syrah Grand Ciel offers a firm, fresh nose with a rocky and dusty blackberry essence and subtle notes of graphite and baking spices. Full-bodied, firm and focused, the palate reveals fine-grained tannins and a long, spicy textural finish. It’s still tight and just a baby, so give it another two to three years in the cellar before opening. Your patience will be rewarded. Enjoy with food. Drink from 2026 – 2045.”
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“Made from Sauvignon Blanc exclusively, the 2020 Marguerite opens with an oaky, fresh and juicy nose with gorgeous aromas of lemon pastry cream, sweet citrus, notes of cream soda and Meyer lemon. Medium to full-bodied, the wine is impressive, harmonious and impeccably weighted with a food-friendly finish that offers a delightfully textured, ripe blanket of oak and sweet citrus with lingering nuances of underripe peach on the aftertaste. This was 100% barrel fermented and aged for 18 months in 75% new oak, primarily 320-liter cigar-shaped barrels. Just under 3,000 bottles were filled. Drink from 2023-2035.”
“Bold, generous and fresh, the 2020 Malbec Red Willow Vineyard is broad-shouldered with a juicy and fruity frame that emanates with a firm plummy essence and damson flowers that sway with notes of Christmas spice and nutmeg. Full-bodied, the wine is tight before giving way to fine-grained tannins that will take another year to fill out. It ends with a food-friendly and tannic finish. This spent 20 months in all French oak, 50% first use. Enjoy with food. 2,256 bottles produced. Drink from 2024 – 2036.”
“Honoring four vineyard sites on Red Mountain, Ciel du Cheval, Grand Ciel, Klipsun and Upchurch vineyards make up the blend of Four Flags. The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Four Flags displays a deep ruby core and opens up with juicy dark red fruit essences before offering a firm, dusty nose with oak and elements of vanilla and nutmeg. Full-bodied, the palate displays a rich and round mouthfeel before delivering a firm tannic edge that will take another year to come around before seductive oak essences sway across the mid-palate. It’s a delightful wine that needs additional time in the bottle, so be patient. Drink from 2024-2038.”
“Made from 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, the 2019 Chaleur Estate is lush and generous with a ripe and round core of black cherry and black raspberry that overflows the glass with notions of dusty plum and cherry blossoms. Full-bodied and layered, the palate offers ripe and juicy red fruit flavors with dusty blackberry skin as a firm tannic edge takes grip. This gorgeous wine concludes with a long, lingering finish that will remain food friendly for a decade and a half. Drink from 2023-2039.”
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“Made from 100% Merlot, the 2020 Le Colosse opens to classic aromas of plum with fresh cherry essences, touches of florals and hints of oak spices. Medium to full-bodied, balanced and focused with fantastic layers that shine with elegance and refinement, the palate presents a lively and lifting structure with fine-grained tannins before offering up flavors of juicy blackberry and graphite over the long-lingering and spicy finish. Bravo! It’s a fantastic wine that spent 20 months in French oak, 70% first use. Give it a try. Drink from 2024-2038.”
“First labeled as “Lot 3” and now renamed as “Klipsun Vineyard,” the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Klipsun Vineyard is ripe, fleshy and juicy with a generous and dusty nose. Full-bodied, the palate offers a delicate mineral tension with flavors of cherry cordial and dusty plum skin before showing a balanced structure with succulent acidity and firm tannins. The wine continues to please over the long and fresh conclusion. It’s a fantastic bottling that will remain food-friendly for over a decade. Only 188 cases were made after the wine rested for 20 months in all-new French oak barrels. Drink from 2023-2039.”
“The first-ever vintage, the 2020 Syrah Red Willow is focused, firm and balanced with soft meaty and savory tones that waft with rocky, floral essences. Medium to full-bodied, the wine has a classic note of dried herbs with a succulent sausage flavor that sways with elegance, precision and focus over the long-lingering and mineral-laced finish. The wine aged for 20 months in all French oak, 33% new. Just over 4,000 bottles were made. Give it a try. Drink from 2023-2035.”
“Previously labeled as “Lot 4,” the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Discovery Vineyard is instantly impressive in the glass with a voluptuous and juicy frame of blackberry jus and dusty florals that sway with notions of hot rocks and sweet baking spices. Full-bodied, the wine is generous and focused, while walking the line between power and finesse, as it expresses the vineyard site with intention and sincerity. Lingering in the mouth, the wine reveals more layers and complexity before gliding into a long, winding finish. It’s an impressive Cabernet that spent 20 months in 75% new French oak. Drink from 2023-2034.”
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“Composed of 60% Merlot, 34% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, the 2019 D2 Proprietary Red Wine comes with an energetic core. Tasted in tandem with the 2018, the 2019 will perform better with additional bottle age. Medium to full-bodied, flavors of black cherry and bright red fruits sway with an oak-tinged mid-palate followed by a delicate mineral tension with hints of graphite. Finishing long, the wine continues to linger with persistence and intention, but give it time. Your patience will be rewarded! Drink from 2024-2036.”
“The 2019 Le Colosse is compressed in the bottle and marked with a firm and juicy nose that opens to a bright, red-fruited frame with notions of dusty black tea. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is balanced with a fine mineral tension that drives the expression with notions of graphite and dusty red flowers. The wine continues to somersault in the mouth, revealing additional complexities and layers with time and before ending with a tight, food-friendly finish. It’s absolutely delightful. Drink from 2023 – 2035.”
“Elegant and oak-focused with layers of sweet citrus, hints of green apple, vanilla and lees, the 2020 Chaleur Blanc packs a punch. Made from 72% Sauvignon Blanc and 28% Sémillon, the medium to full-bodied wine offers a luxurious texture on the palate and expands to reveal a gorgeous yet balanced structure. The wine continues to evolve and reveals citrus and oak layers over the brilliant finish. Drink from 2023 – 2033.”
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“The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Shaw starts with a bright, red-fruited frame with elements of sweet oak and dusty florals. Full-bodied and focused, the palate displays elements of roses, cherry blossoms and black raspberry with plum compote flavors. Marked with a balanced structure and lifting tannic edge, notions of graphite and baked earth sway over the elongated finish. Drink from 2023 – 2035.”
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“Mostly Cabernet Franc with 35% Merlot and 9% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2019 Red Willow opens to a nose of dark cherry with hints of roasted red pepper, black raspberry and soft red and purple florals. Medium to full-bodied, the palate features soft and elegant brown baking spices from the 38% new French oak and exudes a ripe and juicy frame across the mid-palate. The wine continues to unpack and reveal its secrets as persistent flavors of fresh, ripe, picturesque red plum and blackberry skin sway with a food-friendly and delightfully oaky finish. Drink from 2023 – 2035.”
“Juicy and fresh with a ripe attack, the 2018 D2 Proprietary Red Wine is focused on the nose with picturesque fruit aromas of dusty redcurrant and black cherry before a floral oak essence lifts from the glass. Full-bodied and complex, the wine delivers a pleasurable drinking experience with ripeness but without being overdone. Delightfully textural, this gorgeous wine finishes with persistence and robustness and will drink well in its youth. Drink from 2023 – 2033.”
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“The 2018 Syrah Grand Ciel begins with picturesque dark fruit tones that exude from a firm core of spiced plums, black peppercorns and lavender with a dusty black cherry skin essence. Medium to full-bodied, the wine offers a fine mineral tension with a juicy focus and a pleasing petrichor note that sways into focus across the mid-palate. The wine continues to a long-lingering finish with persistent flavors of brown baking spices from the 42% new French oak. This is fantastic juice! Drink from 2023 – 2034.”
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“A blend of 47% Cabernet Franc, 40% Merlot and 13% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2020 Red Willow opens with a soft and subdued nose with elegant and dusty florals. Medium to full-bodied, fine-grained tannins grip the gumline and will need additional time in a bottle to mellow. Just over 6,500 bottles were filled after the wine rested for about two years in French oak, 64% new. Give it at least one more year; two is better. Drink from 2025 – 2036.”
“Made with 1% Viognier, the 2020 Syrah Signature is savory with classic aromas of dark berries, hung meat and sausages before mineral-dusted flowers waft on the nose. Medium to full-bodied, the wine continues to grow in amplitude, offering layers of clean, expressive and focused dark fruit, savory herbs and a mineral core. It ends with a fine, spicy, mineral-laced finish that makes me crave food. Just under 9,000 bottles were filled from Syrah that was barrel aged for 20 months in French oak, 33% new. Bravo! Drink from 2023 – 2034.”
“Brighter and more expressive in the glass than the previous vintage, the 2019 Marguerite offers delightful citrus and floral tones with elegant oak essences on the nose. Medium to full-bodied, the wine is voluptuous as it unpacks across the mid-palate, somersaulting to a delightfully lingering finish that has me craving soft cheeses. Bravo! Drink from 2023 – 2029.”
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“The 2021 Roussanne begins with a fresh and mineral-driven nose with aromas of waxy lemon skin and notes of peach and almonds. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is fresh with a fine mineral tension, a food-friendly and delightfully weighted texture and a long-lingering and waxy finish with a kiss of phenolic bitterness. Just over 7,000 bottles were made. Drink from 2023 – 2030.”
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“Mostly Syrah with 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2020 Doyenne starts with a dark core of firm fruit on the nose with dark berry aromas and smoky and spicy essences. Medium to full-bodied, the wine is fresh and softly savory with dusty dark cherries and fine-grained tannins over the lingering finish with persistent flavors of spiced plum and savory herbs. Over 20,000 bottles were filled after the wine rested for 20 months in about 50% new French oak. It delivers fantastically for the price. Bravo. Drink from 2023 – 2034.”
“New to the database, the 2020 Le Dessein is composed of 44% Grenache, 36% Mourvèdre and 20% Syrah. The nose is fresh, lean and mineral with dark red fruit notions that sway with a spicy essence. Medium to full-bodied, the wine is balanced on the palate, with a focused and spicy core of wild strawberries and spiced cherries before offering a delightful mineral tension across the mid-palate. The wine ends with a delightfully lingering, clean and focused finish. No new oak was used. Drink from 2023 – 2032.”
“Clean and expressive on the nose with a waxy core of citrus skin, the 2020 Roussanne offers aromas of peach skin and petrichor. Medium to full-bodied, the Roussanne is textural with a refined mineral essence that sways with a soft waxy sensation and delightful weight. The wine continues to unpack and reveal more complexity with time in the mouth and concludes with a long, drawn-out finish that has me returning for more. Drink from 2023 – 2026.”
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“Composed of 42% Grenache, 36% Mourvèdre, 20% Syrah and 2% Cinsault, the 2019 Métier is expensive and floral in the glass with a delightful cherry skin and petrichor note. Medium to full-bodied, the mouthfeel offers a fine mineral tension that sways with flavors of potpourri, spiced red plums and raspberries before concluding with a food-friendly finish. Give it a try. Drink from 2023 – 2026.”
“The 2019 Minuit is a blend of 70% Malbec and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon. The nose is lifted with a juicy fruit frame, offering a firm and sturdy core of ripe fruit. Full-bodied, it offers flavors of dusty black raspberry across the mid-palate with a balanced structure and firm tannic edge. The Minuit continues to evolve on the palate and delivers a seductively long finish. I recommend decanting at least 30 minutes prior to enjoyment. Drink from 2023 – 2032.”
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“Made with 2% Viognier, the 2019 Syrah Signature starts with a dense and rocky core of dark red and juicy black fruits that sway with aromas of freshly cracked peppercorns and red flowers. Medium to full-bodied, the palate reveals a textural mouthfeel with elements of bitter dark chocolate, smoked lavender and blackberry skin before gliding to a food-friendly finish with slightly elevated alcohol. Give it a try. Drink from 2023 – 2028.”
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“Focused on the nose, aromas of sweet citrus and apple blossom loft from the glass of the 2018 Marguerite with a fresh and bright character. Medium to full-bodied, the palate offers a delightful mineral tension wound with a soft leesy essence. The 100% Sauvignon Blanc concludes with a fine, powdery essence and a lively citrus skin notion that brings me back for another sip. Drink from 2023 – 2028.”
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“Fermented in stainless steel, the 2021 Riesling is fresh and crisp, with notes of lanolin wax, green apple and white peach with fresh citrus blossoms. Medium to full-bodied, the wine is fresh and focused on the palate, with about eight grams per liter of residual sugar giving it a kiss of sweetness. Lively acidity frames the finish with succulent citrus and fresh pomaceous flavors that will remain food-friendly for years to come. Bravo! Drink from 2023 – 3030.”
“Made from a blend of 49% Mourvèdre, 46% Grenache and 5% Cinsault, the 2021 Rosé opens to classic mineral notes of petrichor and hints of red florals with succulent cherry skin. Medium-bodied, the palate is fresh, focused and restrained, with an elegant mouthfeel and a subtly spiced finish. Drink from 2023 – 2028.”
“Blended with 20% Syrah, the 2020 Mourvèdre StoneTree Vineyard is fresh, red-fruited and mineral with dark cherry and dusty plum blossom aromas. Medium to full-bodied, fresh and clean with a lively mineral tension, the palate offers hints of graphite with a lingering, tannic edge. It’s food-friendly and delivers fantastically for the price. Give it a try. Drink from 2023 – 2030.”
“Beginning with classic notes of Riesling with notions of lime candy, orange oil and white peach, the 2020 Sagemoor Dionysus Riesling offers sweet floral elements of jasmine and honeysuckle. Medium-bodied, the palate is fresh, ripe and floral and offers sweet citrus flavors with a kiss of sweetness, a bright mouthfeel and energetic acidity. The Riesling continues to flow and unpack over the fresh, crisp lingering finish. It’s a delightful wine at a great price. Drink from 2023 – 2028.”
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“Composed of 60% Syrah and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2019 Doyenne is ripe-fruited with a glossy and mineral essence that sways with pleasurable aromas of black tea, dark cherry and spiced plum. Medium to full-bodied, the wine offers flavors of sweet black raspberry with hints of crushed rocks and displays a balanced structure as it glides to a delightfully long finish. Give it a try. Drink from 2023 – 2027.”
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DeLille Cellars is proud to have such amazing reviews on our most prized wines and varietals. Shop these wines and more at our Shop page, and to view more scores from other wine critics and publications, head over to our Blog page.
