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SHOP / 2017 Red Willow Blend 1.5L

Varietal

54% Cabernet Franc
32% Merlot
14% Cabernet Sauvignon

Appellation

Yakima Valley AVA

Aging

Drink Now or Age 5-12 Years

Vineyard

Red Willow

2017 Red Willow Blend 1.5L

The initial offering of this nascent cuvee is Cabernet Franc (54%) dominant, a first for DeLille after more than a quarter of a century.  Blended with Merlot (32%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (14%), the nose presents floral and herbal aromas of spearmint, toasted fennel seeds and carrot frond. At once intense and graceful on the palate, with persistent fruit flavors entwined with classic structure, the delicacy of Cabernet Franc is on full display here.

$243

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Pairing Suggestions

Perfect with steak, brisket, grilled burgers, mushroom toast and hearty cheeses like Comté or white cheddar.

Behind the Wine

2017 Red Willow Blend 1.5L

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 (56%). True to DeLille Cellars’ heritage and reputation for blending, we have carefully chosen Merlot (35%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (9%) to complement.

Vineyards

Red Willow, one of Washington’s most renowned vineyards, was founded in 1971.

Red Willow

Winemaking

Cold soaked 24-36 hours, fermented for 14-16 days on skin, with partial native yeast, and aged 20 months in 100% French oak (40% new).