DeLille is one of our favorite Washington State producers, and they NAILED it with this gorgeous Cabernet-dominated red. The median online retail is $90. When we checked on June 1st, the special Vin Chicago price beat every single online listing. Compared to similar style and caliber wines from Napa Valley, the value here is spectacular!
Jeb Dunnuck: 95 Points
(7/9/2022) "The 2019 Chaleur Estate is a Cabernet Sauvignon-based blend that includes 24% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot. Where the Harrison Hill always reminds me of a great Margaux, this is more St. Julien or Pauillac in style with its darker currants, crushed stone, spicy oak, and lead pencil aromas and flavors. Medium to full-bodied, wonderfully balanced, elegant, and seamless, it has enough background oak to warrant 2-4 years of bottle age (it's far from unapproachable, though) and will have 20-25 years of overall longevity. It's another gorgeous wine from this estate. Maturity 2024 - 2047."
Wine Advocate: 94 Points
(5/11/2023) "Made from 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, the 2019 Chaleur Estate is lush and generous with a ripe and round core of black cherry and black raspberry that overflows the glass with notions of dusty plum and cherry blossoms. Full-bodied and layered, the palate offers ripe and juicy red fruit flavors with dusty blackberry skin as a firm tannic edge takes grip. This gorgeous wine concludes with a long, lingering finish that will remain food friendly for a decade and a half. Drink Date: 2023 - 2039."
Vinous: 94+ Points
(3/2023) "Dark and spicy in the glass, the 2019 Chaleur Estate lifts from the glass with masses of black raspberry, sweet herbs, hints of white pepper and crushed rocks. This is silky and seductive, with cooling acidity that adds a sensation of pure energy and thrust to its vivid red berry and inner floral tones. Nuances of lavender and spice linger incredibly long. The 2019 finishes structured yet lively, but with that said, these grippy tannins will take some time to fully integrate. Drinking Window: 2025 - 2035."
