DeLille Cellars : Doyenne 2015

An Expressive Syrah - Cabernet Sauvignon Blend from Washington State

Founded in 1992, DeLille Cellars is widely considered one of the pioneer producers of Bordeaux style blends in Washington State, helping put this region on the map as a premier viticultural area. Today, the winery specializes in the production of classic French styles - Bordeaux, Rhone Valley and Provence - with fruit sourced from leading "Grand Cru" vineyards of the Red Mountain AVA. The Doyenne 2015 is a blend of 60% Syrah and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, sourced from three different vineyards. The Syrah is grown in the Grand Ciel cru, while the Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from the Ciel du Cheval and Grand Ciel vineyards. As the fruit arrives at the winery, it is cold-soaked for a period of 24-36 hours and then fermented for 12-16 days with skin contact and some native yeast. The wines are then matured for 20 months in French oak barrels, of which 40% is new. The finished blend reveals the very best characteristics of both grape varieties.

The Doyenne 2015 from DeLille Cellars wraps the nose in delightful aromas of raspberry and ripe strawberry from Syrah and dark cherry, as well as pomegranate, from the Cabernet. The entry in the mouth is plush and smooth, with Cabernet bringing dense, structured tannins on the mid-palate, lingering until the finish. This wine is a fantastic expression of the Red Mountain terroir, offering hints of Herbes de Provence throughout.