Gary's Wine Club August 2009 Premiere Selection: 2005 DeLille Cellars Chaleur Estate Red

2005 DeLille Cellars Chaleur Estate Red
Grape variety: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot
Region: Red Mountain, Washington
Food pairing: Venison tenderloin, Shiitake mushrooms, green beans, and Beurre Noisette
Chosen by: Ivonne Nill, Wine Associate, Wayne

During a recent trip to Washington (see Gary's online Wine Magazine for full report) Wayne Wine Associate Ivonne Nill had the great pleasure to snag a tasting appointment at DeLille Cellars. "Without a doubt," she says, "this winery is producing--dare I say it--my favorite American wines. Everything I tasted was well crafted, and had that fine balance between power and elegance. What a delicious experience!"

DeLille Cellars is a small family owned winery in Woodinville, Washington, founded in 1992. Here the focus is on Bordeaux blends and Rhone-styled wines. Mr. Lill used to call the farm where the beautiful winery now resides his "warm and happy place." This is how Chaleur ("warmth" in French) Estate wines got their name. Chris Upchurch, winemaker and founding partner, believes in blending both grape varieties and different vineyard sites. Although Chaleur Estate is essentially a warm-climate Red Mountain wine, Upchurch finds balance by blending in cooler climate Merlot from Boushey Vineyard to soften the ripe but tannic Cabernet Sauvignon. Cabernet Franc adds aromatic complexity, while Petit Verdot, Upchurch says, elevates it all. The 2005 Chaleur Estate Red has classic Cabernet aromas of cassis, along with spice-tinged black cherries, plums, and star-anise. This is a wine of immense power, yet it floats on the palate with silky smooth tannins, layers of complexity, grace, and a blackberry-laden, mile-long finish. Feel free to indulge now if you must, but this treasure will reward the patience with 5-10 years of careful cellaring.

More info: http://www.garyswine.com/fine_wine/washington/61212.html