In February, we celebrate the release of the 2022 Chaleur Estate with a vertical tasting featuring 5 vintages of Chaleur Estate. Can’t make it in to experience this at the Tasting Room? Bring the tasting home to you!
Taste through all five vintages chronologically and experience the subtle nuances of grapes from each Vineyard site and the impact of the aging of a well-structured Cabernet Sauvignon. Or add them to your cellars to see how they evolve for another 5-10 years.
Applicable member discounts will be added at checkout.
The 2017 Chaleur Estate is another stunning vintage for this, Washington State’s original Bordeaux blend. Highly aromatic on the nose, with floral lavender, cassis, and cedar complemented by dark chocolate, spice and lead pencil. In contrast to such an elegant nose, the palate is extremely robust and concentrated, with great energy and an explosive entry filled with cherry and blackberry. An extended, persistent finish is driven by this cuvee’s traditionally fine-grained tannin.
Learn More— Jeb Dunnuck
Our 2019 Chaleur Estate may be the most powerful and concentrated wine of the vintage for DeLille. The foundation of old vine Cabernet Sauvignon (64%) from Ciel du Cheval provides an intense, deep richness. Creme de cassis, marionberry, leather and clove meld to create the initial perfume. The Merlot (24%) from Klipsun Vineyard brings even more opulence and roundness to the blend, while adding notes of lingonberry, bay leaf and mocha. Cabernet Franc (10%) adds spice and freshness, while the Petit Verdot (2%) offers an ambrosial lift. Decant and enjoy over several hours. If cellaring, this gem has the bones to go the distance.
#48 on Jeb Dunnuck’s Top 100 Wines of 2022
Learn More— Jeb Dunnuck
The 1982 Cabernet Sauvignon vines from Ciel du Cheval are once again the soul of this wine and responsible for its incredible richness. Marionberry, green peppercorn, fresh truffle and pomegranate seed are muddled with baking spices and warm oak undertones. Dubrul Vineyard Merlot (23%) provides fresh blueberry and Maraschino cherry notes while rounding out the mid-palate to create a seamless transition to a dense, pondering finish. With plenty of time to open up, there is everything to love about this effort. Cellaring 12+ years will help tame the tannins and bring along even more complexity. – N.B.
Jeb Dunnuck Top 100 Wine of 2023
Learn More— Anthony Mueller, Robert Parker Wine Advocate
The 2021 Chaleur Estate displays the power of the vintage with aromas of red currants, charred black cherry, dark chocolate and peat moss. The wine is laser focused and has incredible richness and mouthfeel, without feeling heavy. The tannins are ripe and full and accompanied by flavors of marionberry compote, iodine, cedar, and olive tapenade. The layers of dense dark fruits, savory barrel and baking spices and polished full tannins are interwoven beautifully. Enjoy on release with a patient decant or cellar 20+ years.
#44 – Top 50 US Wines – Decanter
Learn More— James Suckling
The 2022 Chaleur Estate is brimming with seductive dark fruits, enhanced by a savory undertone that showcases the power and complexity of fruit from Red Mountain Vineyards. With each sip, marionberry, black cherry, and espresso bean aromas waft from the glass. On the palate, barrel-induced notes of vanilla bean, cinnamon stick, and clove complement flavors of dark fruit, sandalwood, crème de cassis, hoisin, and green peppercorn. The wine is full-bodied and rich, completed by well-integrated, velvet-like tannins. The lingering finish encourages another taste to discover new layers that emerge with time in the glass. Enjoy on release with a patient decant or cellar 20+ years.
2021 Vintage – #44 – Top 50 US Wines – Decanter
Learn More— James Suckling
