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SHOP / 2012 Chaleur Estate

Varietal

67% Cabernet Sauvignon
23% Merlot
10% Cabernet Franc

Appellation

Red Mountain AVA

Aging

Age 5-20 Years

Vineyard

67% Ciel du Cheval
23% Upchurch
10% Ciel du Cheval

2012 Chaleur Estate

Exhibiting a classically substantial nose of ripe black cherries and blueberries with toasted spices, lavender, pencil snap, and anise, this vintage is stunning. It has all the concentration and structure expected from Red Mountain with a solid core of blueberries, chocolate, fennel and vanilla oak nuances. The finish is seamless and unending.

$150.30$167

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95+ Points

— Jeb Dunnuck, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

95+ Points

The team at Delille, led by longtime Washington wine steward Chris Upchurch, continues to produce and a great lineup of wines. Both the ’12 and ’13 here are classics, yet I think the nod has to go to the ’12s, which have slightly more depth and richness. Nevertheless, these are all high quality and I think the Bordeaux blends are some of the most age-worthy in the state.

Additional Scores:

92

Wine Enthusiast

94+

Vinous

Pairing Suggestion

Seared Rack of Lamb with black garlic gastrique, herb gnocchi, beurre noisette and lamb jus — Other pairing recommendations include hearty mushroom-based dishes, earthy risottos and rich pastas.

Behind the Wine

2012 Chaleur Estate

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.

Vineyards

Winemaking

Cold soaked 24-36 hours, fermented 14-16 days on skin, aged 20 months in 100% French oak (100% new) and aged in bottle 8 months prior to release.