March 5, 2023 - At 15 years in, this still tasted young when I first opened it. Plenty of fruit left and the tannins are still a bit tight. It was fantastic, but I think it would have been even better in a few years from now. When I tasted this, I imagine overly ripe crushed raspberries, blueberries, blackberries with chocolate and espresso. There’s some ripe purple plum in there too. I can taste some violet, lavender, and some sage notes, maybe from the Cabernet Franc (though some peppery notes appeared on day 2). The finish is warming with notes of allspice and cracked white pepper. New world bourbon sweetness on the long finish.
As usual with Washington State, this is super polished, but I don’t have a ton to say about it. Solid match with Coffee marinated flank steak. A little softer on day 2, but without the same energy in the finish. This one needed plenty of air (best after several hours), though it drank well right from the start. Better in Zalto Bordeaux glass than Riedel Bordeaux glass.
Very good, but just short of amazing. I have better memories of the Col Solare. Still, I want to try some wine from Upchurch’s new winery
August 22, 2021 - Another surprise after the 2010 and 2011 versions. Fruit has faded with still not to unbalanced by the acids and tannins. Like all Chaleur Estates (08, 09, 10, 11) tasted there is little to no life left.
July 29, 2021 - Smooth and velvety. Muted fruit but plums and currants come through on finish.
January 2, 2020 - Drank this bottle over 2 nights. First night there was a harsh acid upsetting the balance. While I enjoyed it the first night I was not thrilled. I inerted the bottle and now we're on night 2. Fantastic, the acid has melded and balanced by fruit and tannins. To quote JS1056 "True Bordeaux style wine with currant, black cherry, tobacco, cedar. Balanced with fine grainy tannins. The finish is what jumped out here, running for at least a minute." This is what I expect from a Delille Chaleur. Equal to the 1992 after its 20 years. Thank you Chris and the rest of the DeLille staff!
June 8, 2019 - Lovely wine. Nose of earth and dark fruit.
True Bordeaux style wine with currant, black cherry, tobacco, cedar. Balanced with fine grainy tannins. The finish is what jumped out here, running for at least a minute.
September 3, 2018 - A wonderful wine: smooth, balanced, elegant and delicious. 10 years in this wine has aged well and is ready to drink. Only thing missing is complexity.
May 7, 2017 - Plum Core with nice blue fruits and spice....aging well.
October 29, 2016 - Classic Washington cab blend
March 15, 2016 - Initially served at low 50s F and tasted like a somewhat sharp burgundy with rustic Overtones. With air in decanter and some warming towards room temperature it got more fruity and a bit more new world in flavor. Second day was a bit jammy. Overall very nice but i thought was better with less air and a bit cooler temp.
December 6, 2015 - Drank at dinner party, no notes. This is classic Delille, a master class in blending. Seamless integration, the whole is greater than the parts. Classic Washington iodine, salinity, soil and black fruit. Decanted for 4 hours before drinking, this is starting to shine and will have another brilliant 4-5 years.