D2 Red Blend

Awards & Acclaim

2022 D2 Red Blend

jeremy young | mar 2025 | international wine report

erin brooks | dec 2025 | the wine advocate

eric guido | oct 2024 | vinous

Claire nesbitt | mar 2025 | vinous

tim fish | dec 2025 | wine spectator

2021 D2 Red Blend

jeremy young | jan 2024 | international wine report

clive pursehouse | sep 2024 | decanter

tim fish | nov 2024 | wine spectator

2020 D2 Red Blend

This merlot-dominant blend is balanced with cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc and petit verdot. It’s all dark violets, the floral scents over more reticent and reserved notes of blackberry and dried beef. With air, the palate fills in, the spices issue forth, clove, allspice, cocoa nibs, all lacing dark red fruit flavors with fine dusty tannins.

patrick j. comiskey | apr 2023 | wine & spirits

The more Merlot-dominated 2020 D2 offers a vivid purple/ruby hue as well as beautiful notes of ripe black cherries, tobacco leaf, sandalwood, and spring flowers. I love its purity, and it has terrific mid-palate depth, ripe tannins, and a great finish. The blend is 61% Merlot, 27% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, brought up in 60% new oak.

jeb dunnuck | jun 2023 | jebdunnuck.com

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

anthony mueller | may 2023 | wine advocate

Ripe and fruity nose of mulberries and blueberries with violets and candied orange peel. Medium-bodied, vibrant and succulent, with crunchy tannins and an expressive, flavorful finish. Drink now.

james suckling | apr 2023 | jamessuckling.com

Well-framed and precise, with handsomely layered blackberry, tobacco and black olive flavors that build tension toward medium-grained tannins. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2030.

tim fish | apr 2023 | wine spectator

2019 D2 Red Blend

Polish meets structure in this red, which offers well-defined black cherry, toasty spice and bay leaf accents as this slowly unfurls toward fine-grained tannins. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2030.

tim fish | aug 2022 | wine spectator

The 2019 D2 (60% Merlot, 34% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot) is terrific, with a ruby/purple hue as well as gorgeous cassis and black cherry fruits, notes of spicy, dried herbs, and lead pencil, medium to full body, and a pure, balanced, undeniably delicious profile. It’s going to keep for 15-20 years and is one heck of a wine.

jeb dunnuck | jul 2021 | jebdunnuck.com

Aromas of ripe red cherry, red licorice, dried sage and suede. Full-bodied with firm tannins. Wet-mineral character mixes with bright red fruit. Ripe raspberries, cherries and sweet paprika. Toasted finish. 67% merlot, 28% cabernet sauvignon, 3% cabernet franc and 2% petit verdot. Best after 2023.

james suckling | apr 2022 | jamessuckling.com

Merlot comprises 60% of this wine and Cabernet Sauvignon 34%, with the rest bits of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The aromas pull you into the glass, with notes of plum, raspberry, chocolate, vanilla and spice. The flavors are reserved and creamy feeling, delivering on all that promise.

sean p. sullivan | jul 2022 | wine enthusiast

2018 D2 Red Blend

Scents of licorice and black fig take on a cinnamon tone in this merlot-dominant blend. Cinnamon scents appear with air, bright, ripe and lifted as it develops in the glass. It offers sleek cherry and warm plum flavors in a succulent combination, a satisfying accompaniment to duck breast.

patrick j. comiskey | nov 2021 | wine & spirits

Opens with rich and polished black cherry and red currant flavors that are laced with hints of mineral and green olive, taking on structure toward broad-shouldered tannins on the finish. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Best from 2023 through 2030.

tim fish | jun 2022 | wine spectator

The 2018 D2 exudes class with dense layers of toasty oak that connect with black cherry cough syrup, blackberry compote, mocha and tar, all marching in unison in the glass. The palate is dense, chewy and full of life. Downright delicious flavors of black tea and blackberry pie and shades of menthol and coffee grounds combine with a great sense of tension and light tannins. Enjoy this fantastic new wine over the next decade or more.

owen bargreen | mar 2022 | vinous

A blend of 67% Merlot, 28% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, this wine is full of polish and class. The aromas are charming, with notes of black cherry, dark raspberry, flowers and bittersweet chocolate. There’s impressive structure and balance to the red and black fruit flavors.

sean p. sullivan | oct 2021 | wine enthusiast

Named after the famed D2 road that runs from Bordeaux up through the Médoc, the 2018 D2 checks in as 67% Merlot, 28% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. It has a classy, medium-bodied style offering fine, elegant tannins, a balanced, charming texture, and classic notes of currants, violets, lead pencil, and tobacco. Reminding me of a top Cru Bourgeois, it should keep for a decade.

jeb dunnuck | may 2021 | jebdunnuck.com

Merlot makes up two-thirds of this wine, with the rest Cabernet Sauvignon along with bits of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The aromas are unique, with notes of bittersweet chocolate, cedar, black tea, and raspberry. The palate is sleek in style, filling in over time, bringing a lovely sense of finesse and balance. Bright acidity ups the interest. Give it some time in the cellar to see it at its best.

sean p. sullivan | dec 2020 | wine enthusiast

Bright, moderately saturated red-ruby. Savory scents of blackberry, blueberry, cocoa powder, spices and tobacco leaf. Suave, savory and fine-grained, showing a restrained sweetness and a light touch to its raspberry, pomegranate, spice and cocoa flavors. Hints of cedar and herbs add complexity. Doesn’t offer quite the breadth or palate-saturating density of the 2016 but graceful, pliant, seamless, savory and persistent, with sweet, dusty tannins in the background.

stephen tanzer | dec 2020 | vinous

D2 blends about two-thirds merlot with 30 percent cabernet sauvignon and a few dollops of cabernet franc and petit verdot. It’s bright and chewy, scented with briar, tobacco leaf and cherry, with a velvety texture and the flesh to get around a lamb chop.

patrick j. comiskey | oct 2020 | wine & spirits

Bright red-ruby. Plum and redcurrant aromas complemented by cool Cabernet Sauvignon notes of tobacco leaf and herbs. Sappy, broad and palate-saturating , delivering lovely concentration and silky depth to its flavors of red berries, spices, sage and herbs. This very well-balanced blend conveys an impression of more even fruit ripeness–and virtually no overripeness–than the 2015 version. Lovely sweetness of fruit with good shape and structure from fine tannins.

stephen tanzer | dec 2019 | vinous

The 2016 D2 Proprietary Red Wine is a blend of 59% Merlot, 34% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot. The nose displays a lush and dense core with dusty currant, plum and black raspberry sprinkled with a rocky minerality. The wine is medium to full-bodied on the palate, with deep concentration and focused balance, delivering complexity through the mid-palate and ending with a long, concentrated finish.

anthony mueller | dec 2019 | the wine advocate

The 2016 D2 is mostly Merlot but includes 34% Cabernet Sauvignon and a splash of Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot. It has a Bordeaux-like bouquet of tobacco, earth, lead pencil, and graphite, with plenty of ripe dark fruit. Rounded, medium to full-bodied, and textured, it’s a terrific second wine to drink over the coming 10-15 years.

jeb dunnuck | apr 2019 | jebdunnuck.com

Tightly wound and a bit brooding, with currant, cigar box and stony mineral accents that persist toward broad-shouldered tannins. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot. Best from 2020 through 2026. 15,500 cases made.

tim fish | may 2019 | wine spectator

About two-thirds merlot and one-third cabernet sauvignon, this blend starts out heady and broad, with scents of red berries laced with fine-cut tobacco. Its juicy red-cherry core feels airy, even a bit transparent, with plenty of firm tannins and cedar notes to keep it grounded.

jun 2019 | wine & spirits

(a blend of about 60 lots from 13,500 vines, according to Jason Gorski): Bright, dark red with ruby highlights. Aromas of cassis and licorice hint at a dried-berry character. Impressively concentrated for such a large blend, offering a fine-grained texture and noteworthy inner-mouth floral lift. Boasts plush, sweet dark fruit and spice flavors, with a repeating element of very ripe berries. Suggests a wider range of fruit ripeness than most of the other DeLille reds but very successful for such a disparate blend. The long finish features substantial ripe, broad tannins.

stephen tanzer | jul 2018 | vinous

The largest production Bordeaux blend from this estate is their D2 release, which is named after the famed highway leading up to the Médoc from the city of Bordeaux. The 2015 D2 is 58% Merlot, 36% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. It offers a Pomerol-like bouquet of black cherries, leafy herbs, graphite, and lead pencil, and is medium to full-bodied, seamless and elegant. Readers wanting a taste of the style – and quality – from Delille should absolutely check this wine out. Drink bottles over the coming 7-8 years.

jeb dunnuck | apr 2018 | jebdunnuck.com

Shows great structure and focus, but remains tightly wound at this point, offering dense currant, green olive and stony mineral flavors that persist toward firm tannins. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Best from 2020 through 2025. 7,700 cases made.

tim fish | jun 2018 | wine spectator

Merlot leads in this elegant, Bordeaux-inspired red; cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc fill out the blend. Its initial scents are savory: cedar and tobacco leaf; the flavors more given to spiced cherry and plum—merlot-driven in their nimble, succulent, light-toned fruit. As is the acidity, the wine pulsing and vibrant, a clean expression of Bordeaux varieties to serve with steak.

aug 2017 | Wine & spirits

This wine is a blend of Merlot (58%), Cabernet Sauvignon (36%), Cabernet Franc (5%) and Petit Verdot. Vibrant aromas of cherry meats, raspberry, dried herb and barrel spice are followed by a fruit-forward flavorful palate backed by firm tannins. It has a high yum factor.

sean p. sullivan | jun 2017 | Wine enthusiast

The ruby-colored 2014 D2 Proprietary Red Wine is the entry-level Bordeaux blend of the estate and is named after the D2 highway in Bordeaux. It’s a soft, voluptuous, medium-bodied effort that offers loads of currants, black cherries, strawberries and leafy herb aromas and flavors. It’s already hard to resist, yet there’s quality tannin hiding under its fruit, and I suspect it will surprise you with its longevity.

jeb dunnuck | jun 2017 | the wine advocate

(this Columbia Valley blend of nearly 20 sources represents 35% of this winery’s production; 11,500 cases were made in 2014): Bright ruby. Pungent fruit-driven aromas of cranberry, pomegranate and blackberry. Plush and seamless on the palate, with blackberry and blueberry flavors complicated by a savory dried-berry note that I associate with Red Willow vineyard. Wonderfully pliant from the start, this beauty finishes very long and suave, with utterly smooth tannins. Great fruit here!

stephen tanzer | jul 2017 | vinous

Well-built, if rather tightly wound, offering focused notes of currant, clove and stony mineral. Hands-off for now. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Best after 2018. 11,750 cases made.

tim fish | aug 2017 | wine spectator

Ruby-red. Complex, perfumed aroma of blueberry, licorice and cocoa powder. Plush, sweet and deep; this round, seamless, fruit-driven blend boasts terrific immediate appeal. There’s a hint of intriguing salinity here but not quite the umami richness of the outstanding 2012 example, even if this wine possesses riper fruit. Velvety and delicious right now and long and lush on the aftertaste.

stephen tanzer | jul 2016 | vinous

Billed as the second wine of the estate, the D2 Proprietary Red Wine is nevertheless a fabulous, outstanding Bordeaux blend that’s brought up all in new French oak. Its deep ruby/purple color is followed by solid notes of black currants, lead pencil, damp herbs and licorice, and while it might not have the complexity of the top cuvees, it has beautiful purity. Medium to full-bodied, balanced, with ripe, polished tannin and solid mid-palate depth, drink this beautiful 2013 anytime over the coming two decades.

jeb dunnuck | jun 2016 | the wine advocate

Broad and open-textured, with tannins surrounding a plush core of green olive-accented dark plum, thyme and spice, lingering easily on the undulating finish. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Best from 2017 through 2023. 8,750 cases made.

harvey steiman | sep 2016 | wine spectator

This wine is principally Merlot (57%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (33%) along with pinches of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Dark fruit, fresh herb and abundant barrel-spice aromas are followed by bountiful, restrained black-fruit flavors that carry through the finish.

 sean p. sullivan | may 2016 | wine enthusiast

(14.3% alcohol): Bright medium ruby. Kirsch, blackcurrant, blueberry, liquid smoke, graphite, milk chocolate and a hint of menthol on the nose. Superrich, creamy-sweet and utterly seamless offering lovely sweetness of fruit and impeccable balancing acidity. Finishes with building tannins and terrific persistence. Superb.

stephen tanzer | jul 2015 | vinous

Functioning as a second wine, the 2012 D2 Proprietary Red Wine checks in as a blend of 50% Merlot, 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc that spent 20 months in 100% new French oak. It’s one hell of a second wine and offers up awesome notes of blackcurrants, wood smoke, graphite, chocolate, truffle and damp earth to go with a full-bodied, ripe, layered and still focused and lively profile on the palate. This is a serious wine on all accounts and it has beautifully integrated acidity, moderate, sweet tannin and a great finish. It’s easy to appreciate now, but will also have 20 years of overall longevity.

 jeb dunnuck | jun 2015 | the wine advocate

This blend of Merlot (50%), Cabernet Sauvignon (42.2%), Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot is somewhat lighter in color, with reserved aromas of woodspice, coffee, café au lait, cherry and herbs. The flavors are rich yet restrained in style, with firm tannins and a lingering finish. Best after 2020.

sean p. sullivan | sep 2015 | wine enthusiast

Broad and spicy, with pepper and clove notes weaving through the ripe cherry and herbal flavors, pushing against a blanket of fine tannins as the finish persists. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Best from 2017 through 2020. 5,500 cases made.

harvey steiman | sep 2015 | wine spectator

DeLille’s ‘second’ wine bests a lot of other wineries’ firsts this vintage. This blend includes merlot (56 percent) and cabernet sauvignon (36 percent) with franc and petit verdot. It takes on a savory, cedary accent from oak, enough to leave an impression without intruding on the sleek cherry-scented fruit. The vibrant red-fruit flavors are tethered to a suave texture with the kind of natural elegance that brings to mind a Right Bank Bordeaux in a generous vintage. For a well-aged steak. (3,300 cases)

dec 2014 | wine & Spirits

A smoking effort, the 2011 D2 checks in as a blend of 56% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet Franc and the balance Petit Verdot. It offers gorgeous black cherry, black currants, tobacco leaf and hints of chocolate to go with a full-bodied, rich, textured and seamless profile on the palate. Showing both richness and elegance, with building fine tannin, it’s a rock-star Bordeaux blend that will have 10 to 15 years of longevity.

Jeb dunnuck | jun 2014 | the wine advocate

(a blend of 56.5% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6.5% Cabernet Franc and 2% petit verdot): Bright red-ruby. Showy aromas of cassis, Cuban cigar tobacco, minerals, licorice and dark chocolate are accented by a suggestion of fennel. Suave, juicy and energetic, already displaying lovely inner-mouth floral character to its dark fruit, menthol and graphite flavors. Shows the sappiness and lift of the vintage but today this is also one of the most expressive of these superb 2011s.

stephen tanzer | dec 2014 | vinous

As to the reds, Delille’s 2010 D2 is billed as the second wine of their Chaleur Estate blend and is comprised of 60% Merlot, 34% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot that spent 18 months in French oak. It displays classic aromas and flavors of black currants, wild herbs, plum sauce and Asian spice to go with a fleshy, full-bodied texture on the palate. Rich, voluptuous and well-constructed, it could certainly be consumed now, yet will be even better in another year or so and shine for over a decade. Drink now-2025.

jeb dunnuck | jun 2013 | the wine advocate

(60% merlot, 34% cabernet sauvignon, 4% cabernet franc and 2% petit verdot): Dark red. Sexy aromas and flavors of dark berries, cocoa powder, mocha and brown spices. Sweet and vibrant in the mouth, with terrific flavor definition and lift. The very long finish features sweet tannins and an exhilarating light touch. There are 2,600 cases of this wine.

stephen tanzer | nov 2013 | vinous

Fresh and inviting, with a layer of crisp tannins making room for the vibrant currant, boysenberry and sage flavors, lingering on the expressive finish. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Best from 2014 through 2018. 2,800 cases made.

harvey steiman | jul 2013 | wine spectator

(a blend of 55% merlot, 34% cabernet sauvignon, 9% cab franc and 2% petit verdot): Bright full ruby. Perfumed nose combines black cherry, plum, cinnamon, mocha, fennel and exotic spices. Suave, pliant and sweet, with a distinctly layered texture to the expressive flavors of blueberry, blackberry and black pepper. Finishes with substantial, broad tannins, a sweet note of dark chocolate and superb persistence. A great vintage for this bottling, which includes some of the Harrison Hill fruit.

stephen tanzer | nov 2012 | vinous

Serving as second wine to the corresponding Chaleur Estate bottling, DeLille’s 2009 D2 comprises 55% Merlot, 34% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot sourced from seven different vineyards, each prestigious. Tea, mint, and pungently high-toned herbal essences swirl around scents of cassis and cherry, all of which have their counterparts on a finely-tannic, lusciously juicy palate on which nutty, lentil sprout-like, and subtly saline savor adds depth and saliva-inducement that persist into a long finish. Those who can’t afford the corresponding grand vin need hardly feel cheated, and I suspect this will be well worth following for at least ten or a dozen years.

david schildknecht | dec 2012 | the wine advocate

Highlighted by forward, pretty, cherry-candy flavor, this is an appealing vintage for D2—DeLille’s second-label Bordeaux-style blend. Accented with integrated notes of herb, nougat and milk chocolate, this finishes with a streak of minerality that provides a bit of gravitas.

sean p. sullivan | dec 2012 | wine enthusiast

The 2008 D2, a blend of 55% Merlot, 39% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot, is a multi-vineyard, multi-regional blend that must have been like a jigsaw puzzle to assemble. It is a racy, elegant, complex effort sporting aromas of lavender, thyme, espresso, and toasty black fruits. On the palate a hint of chocolate, black cherry, and blackberry make an appearance. This savory, lengthy, nicely balanced wine will benefit from 2-3 years of cellaring (although it can be approached now) and will provide pleasure through 2020.

jay s miller | aug 2011 | the wine advocate

(a Bordeaux blend based on 55% merlot): Good full red-ruby. Aromas of plum, mocha, cocoa powder and graphite, lifted by a floral element. Sweet and deep, with strong floral and spice qualities adding piquancy to the lush, smooth palate. This distinctly claret-like wine spreads out impressively on the back end, finishing with sweet, fine-grained tannins and excellent length.

stephen tanzer | nov 2011 | vinous

Always a fine “second” label, the D2 from DeLille is no wimp. Alcohol is listed at a hefty 14.7%, and the blend—55% Merlot/39% Cabernet Sauvignon/4% Cab Franc/2% Petit Verdot—would stand proudly alongside most winery’s top wines. This has it all—sappy, tangy fruit, a mix of blue and purple; streaks of herb and leaf; smooth but firm tannins, and a buttery coating over the polished tannins. The finish goes and goes; the wine is still young and knitting itself together.

paul gregutt | jul 2011 | wine enthusiast

The red wines begin with the 2007 D2, a blend of 51% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, with the balance Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. A total of 7 vineyards were sourced with 68% of the fruit coming from the Red Mountain AVA. Purple in color with an alluring bouquet of balsam wood, Asian spices, incense, cassis, and blackberry, on the palate it is lush with layered black fruits, plenty of spice, savory flavors, excellent volume, and a lengthy fruit-filled finish. Give it 3-4 years of additional bottle age and drink it from 2013 to 2027. In the scheme of things, it is an excellent value.

jay s miller | aug 2010 | the wine advocate

This crisp red is refined in structure, with a dark cherry and smoke edge to the plum and earth flavors, lingering easily against fine tannins. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2013. 3,950 cases made.

harvey steiman | oct 2010 | wine spectator

(a blend of 51% merlot, 40% cabernet sauvignon, 7% cabernet franc and 2% petit verdot) Good full ruby-red. Cherry, plum and licorice on the nose. A sweet, pliant, rich style, with red fruit flavors showing a chocolatey ripeness but also perked up by fresh herbs and spices. Finishes with sweet tannins that will not prevent early enjoyment. This wine “gets the leftovers,” says Chris Peterson modestly. If this is made mostly from declassified lots, it’s an extremely successful blend.

stephen tanzer | nov 2010 | vinous

Currant, graphite and dried flowers on the nose. Sweet, lush and concentrated, with very sexy fruit tones complemented by graphite and flowers. Very suave and accessible merlot-based wine with a silky texture and sweet tannins.

stephen tanzer | nov 2009 | vinous

The red wines begin with the 2006 D2, a blend of 52.5% Merlot, 38.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the balance Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot sourced from 8 vineyards, much of the fruit from the Red Mountain AVA. Dark ruby-colored, it delivers an expressive perfume of spice box, earth notes, violets, cassis, and blackberry. Elegant on the palate, it has ample ripe, succulent fruit, excellent depth and concentration, and a pure, fruit-filled finish. It has the structure to evolve for 2-3 years but can be enjoyed now.

jay s miller | oct 2009 | the wine advocate

DeLille’s D2 is a declassified wine in the best possible sense—the grapes come from all of the winery’s premier vineyard sources. This 2006 vintage is a substantial, muscular Bordeaux blend—mostly Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Nicely layered, it mixes its tart red fruits with moist earth and hints of tar and licorice.

paul gregutt | nov 2009 | wine enthusiast

DeLille’s D2 red (51% Merlot/38% Cabernet Sauvignon/8% Cab Franc/3% Petit Verdot) is a declassified wine in the best possible sense—the grapes come from all of the winery’s premier vineyard sources. The result is a substantial, even meaty red wine, muscular rather than plump. The fruit is layered and tart, its flavors laced with smoke, tar and licorice. The wine gathers strength in the midpalate, then gradually unfolds through the finish with polished tannins that are just slightly herbal.

paul gregutt | may 2008 | wine enthusiast

(a blend of 51% merlot, 38% cabernet sauvignon, 8% cabernet franc and 3% petit verdot) Deep ruby-red. Sweet black cherry, violet and graphite on the nose. Concentrated, lively and penetrating, with red fruit and mineral flavors nicely framed by ripe acidity. This combines a firm spine with an attractively pliant texture and enticing sweetness. Classy wine for the price.

stephen tanzer | nov 2008 | vinous

The red wines begin with the 2005 D2 (named after the principal route de vin in Bordeaux). It is composed of 51% Merlot, 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot and was aged for 18 months in 100% new French oak. Purple-colored, it has an expressive perfume of wood smoke, earth notes, spice box, and assorted red and black fruits. Fruity and forward on the palate with plenty of red and black cherry flavors, this sweetly fruited, lengthy wine will evolve for 1-2 years and provide pleasurable drinking through 2015.

Jay s miller | jun 2008 | The wine advocate

Ripe, firm and beautifully focused, a complex mouthful of currant, plum, cedar and autumn leaf flavors that glow enticingly through the long, long finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2012. 2,600 cases made.

harvey steiman | may 2007 | wine spectator

The reds begin with the 2004 D2, a second label from declassified fruit. A blend of 12 vineyards, the wine is composed of 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 41% Merlot,12% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot aged in 100% new French oak. Dark ruby-colored, it offers up a lovely perfume of pain grille, spice box, clove, menthol, cassis, and black currant. This is followed by a full-bodied, sleek wine with gobs of sweet fruit, layers of flavor, light tannin, and outstanding balance and integration. Drink it over the next 8-10 years.

jay s miller | aug 2007 | wine spectator

An extraordinary, effusive nose, smooth and voluptuous, with spectacular focus and concentration, opens this wine. There is an herbal underpinning, and just a bit of tannic roughness, but it’s nothing that won’t soften up with time. This, along with Quilceda’s second-tier red, is the best red wine value in the state. Still showing youthful tart, tight acid; it’s chewy but focused. Good flavors of very tart cherry, plum and even red apple, leading into hints of menthol, cigar box, pepper and slate.

paul gregutt | mar 2007 | wine enthusiast

(a blend of 45% cabernet sauvignon, 41% merlot, 12% cabernet franc and 2% petit verdot) Good deep red. Pungent red berries, cherry and nutty, spicy oak on the perfumed nose, plus a whiff of cabernet franc herbs. Supple, subtle and fine-grained, with a restrained sweetness to the red berry, tobacco leaf and milk chocolate flavors. A rich wine with no rough edges, but with the cabernet sauvignon component giving it firm underlying structure. A very suave and aromatic Bordeaux blend.

stephen tanzer | nov 2007 | vinous

Lithe, supple and generous with its sweet berry and currant fruit, wrapped with toasty oak as the finish goes on and on. Has impressive depth and elegance for a hefty wine. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2007 through 2013. 2,798 cases made.

harvey steiman | may 2006 | wine spectator

Blackberries, cedar, and pencil lead make up the aromatic profile of the 2003 D2. A medium to full-bodied, Bordeaux-like red with loads of plump black fruits, this expansive offering is spicy, detailed, and well-delineated. Projected maturity: 2007-2015.

pierre rovani | apr 2006 | the wine advocate

The ’03 vintage is a particularly good year for D2. The warm, ripe vintage means that this second wine of DeLille has unusual sweetness and richness across the palate. Toasty and laden with cherry/berry flavors, good weight and concentration, and enough stuffing to hang in there through a long, satisfying finish.

paul gregutt | apr 2006 | wine enthusiast

(45% merlot, 38% cabernet sauvignon, 9% petit verdot and 8% cabernet franc) Ruby-red. Aromatic nose combines currant, tobacco and a leafy nuance; reminded me of a Bordeaux from the right bank. Lush on entry, then sweet and supple in the middle, with redcurrant and tobacco flavors already quite expressive. Finishes lush and ripe, with very suave tannins.

steven tanzer | nov 2006 | vinous

Undoubtedly the finest D2 to date, the 2002 bursts from the glass with sage-laced dark fruits. It is a blend of 49% Merlot, 36% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Cabernet Franc, and 4% Petit Verdot. Dense, rich, and medium to full-bodied, it is a broad wine with satiny layers of blackberries, spices, and brambleberries. An immensely impressive effort, it is big, lush, complex, and friendly. Drink it over the next 10 years.

pierre rovani | apr 2006 | the wine advocate

A spicy, stalwart blend of merlot (49 percent), cabernet sauvignon (36), franc (11) and petit verdot, well over half of its fruit comes from the two most prized Red Mountain vineyards, Ciel du Cheval and Klipsun. This ’02 leads with cinnamon and chai spices melded with bright red cherry flavor. The structure is evidence of a lavish oak regime, but with a day of air the oak begins to recede. Fascinating now, it will gain in complexity with time in the cellar.

Dec 2005 | wine & spirits

(a Bordeaux blend based on 60% merlot) Full red. High-toned, aromatic nose combines raspberry, cassis, graphite and nutty oak, all lifted by a floral nuance. Lush, pliant and generous, with expressive flavors of raspberry, currant and tobacco. Conveys an enticing impression of mid-palate warmth. Finishes with sweet tannins that seem more giving than some past vintages of this bottling.

stephen tanzer | nov 2005 | vinou

This is DeLille’s second-tier Bordeaux blend. Still, the list of contributing vineyards reads like a who’s who of Washington viticulture. The Merlot-based wine delivers classic black cherry and plum fruit, hints of herb, and plenty of power. Most wineries would kill for a flagship wine this good.

paul gregutt | jul 2004 | wine enthusiast

Dark fruits laced with herbs are found in the nose of the 2001 D2 Dixieme Anniversaire. This broad, intensely flavored offering has excellent depth, more power than I’m accustomed to find at this winery, and boasts winemaker Upchurch’s signature elegance. A lovely, ample wine, it reveals loads of wonderfully ripe black fruits in its expressive, lengthy character. Drink it over the next 6 years.

pierre rovani | aug 2004 | the wine advocate

Rich in texture, with beautifully focused cherry and berry flavors at the core, shaded with spice, chocolate and leather notes, all melding nicely on the lingering finish. Tannins are refined. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2010. 2,250 cases made.

harvey steiman | jun 2003 | wine spectator

Bright flavors of blackberry, currant and vanilla shine through a layer of chewy tannins. It’s all packed in there, just needs to soften. Contains Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Best after 1999. 1,050 cases made.

harvey steiman | jul 1997 | wine spectator

Ripe and distinguished for its currant, prune and plum flavors, chocolate, coffee and spice overtones–all of which swirl smoothly through the long finish. This Washington red blend has fine tannins now, but better to cellar a while. A blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Best after 2000. 475 cases made.

harvey steiman | aug 1996 | wine spectator