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SHOP / 2018 Red Willow

Varietal

57% Cabernet Franc
26% Merlot
17% Cabernet Sauvignon

Appellation

Yakima Valley AVA

Aging

Drink Now or Age 5-12 Years

Vineyard

Red Willow

2018 Red Willow

As Red Willow is home to Washington’s first commercial planting of the varietal, the foundation of this blend is sourced from Cabernet Franc (57%). True to DeLille Cellars’ heritage and reputation for blending, we have carefully chosen Merlot (26%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (17%) to complement.

$108

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95 Points

— Jeb Dunnuck

95 Points

A Cabernet Franc-dominated wine, the 2018 Red Willow Blend checks in as 57% Cabernet Franc, 26% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon, all brought up in 36% new French oak. It’s another gorgeous 2018 from this team revealing incredible purity and elegance as well as richness. Blue fruits, forest floor, flowers, and graphite are just some of the nuances, and it’s medium to full-bodied, with a seamless, elegant texture and a slightly bloody, salty character on the finish that keeps you coming back to the glass. It’s an awesome Cabernet Franc.

May 2021

Additional Scores:

94

Vinous

93

Wine & Siprits

93

James Suckling

Pairing Suggestions

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

Behind the Wine

2018 Red Willow

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).