Weekend wine tasting: DeLille Cellars in Woodinville

DeLille Cellars in Woodinville Wine CountryMary Jo Manzanares

DeLille Cellars in Woodinville is well-known for the European winemaking art of blending Bordeaux and Rhone grape varieties in a way that showcases local terroir. DeLille has received consistent honors from Wine Spectator and Wine Enthusiast for both its red and white wines.

We looked forward to a wine tasting weekend in Woodinville Wine Country, and visiting DeLille was high on the priority list. If you're visiting Woodinville for wine tasting, you are going to have to prioritize as there are more than 130 wineries located there. You can visit lots of wineries in one day, but I recommend limiting it to three so you can best remember what you've tried and still fit in a nice lunch and dinner.

The DeLille tasting room is as sophisticated as its wines. Spread over three floors in a style I'd describe as Industrial European chic, the setup is ideal for tasting, conversation, and maybe a nibble or two (a limited menu is available).

The tasting flight featured six wines, including a rosé and five reds. The flight is set up for your arrival, along with the charcuterie plate which we ordered, in a way that allowed for social distancing protocol. Masks are required at all times you are not seated at your table. Wine glasses are filled and resting on a placement filled with tasting notes and pricing information.

Although we tasted six wines, all new releases, this review focuses on the three we liked the best.

First up, 2018 D2.

Mocha and milk chocolate notes from French oak integrate with beautiful cassis, dried cranberry, and cedar aromas.

Personal tasting notes: This is a lovely wine, and one of the reasons visiting DeLille was high on our list (we had the wine at a restaurant and loved it). Delicious from the first sip, very cabernet sauvignon forward in the taste, with a
nice lingering finish. Perfect with the charcuterie plate that we ordered. A couple of bottles went home with us. $45.

Next up, 2018 Doyenne.

Savory rosemary and sage notes, with influences of blue fruits and hints of vanilla. While savory is dominant now (the cabernet sauvignon influence), as the wine ages, the fruit and vanilla aromas will emerge (the syrah influence). Blueberry, raspberry, and peppercorn flavors.

Personal tasting notes: A deliciously woodsy and peppery wine that was satisfying as a stand-alone taste, yet begged for some aging. We took a couple of bottles of this cab-syrah blend home with us and plan to let it cellar for a few years. $45.

Next up, 2018 Chaleur Estate

A cabernet sauvignon-dominant blend of Bordeaux varietals, with a focus on Red Mountain vineyards. Intense nose of sandalwood, blueberry, and Red Mountain’s signature combination of herbs and sun-drenched soil. Dense and saturated on the palate, intense black currant and lavender are just beginning to peek out from behind a close-knit structure commanded by French Oak barrels. Depth, complexity, focus, and elegance that personifies chaleur ( French for warmth).

Personal tasting notes: This wine wasn't on the tasting menu, but when our server learned more about our taste preferences and what we wished to purchase, he brought this out for us to try. It was warm from the first sip, delightful with flavors of cardamon and mocha. We took a couple of bottles home and are excited to see how this ages. $90.

DeLille Cellars is located at 14300 NE 145th St., Woodinville (website here). The tasting room is open by reservation only. The tasting fee is $25 per person, with the fee waived with a 2-bottle purchase. Limit of four guests per reservation (including non-tasters and children). A limited food menu is also available.

Drink responsibly. Have a designated driver (or take a cab or ride service) when doing wine tasting.

Follow me to see more articles like this.

...

Follow