DeLille Or No DeLille

Delille! Definitely Delille! Already one of the top-ranked Washington state wineries, it is obvious that they going for the gold. The deal is a bet on the Grand Ciel Vineyard planted next to Ciel du Cheval vineyard and managed for them by Ciel owner Jim Holmes. If you have $125, here's a chance to get in on the next cult wine in Washington state. The other DeLille wines are not too shabby either. I recently had a chance to retaste some of these at the winter release weekend. The 2005 Chaleur Estate Blanc, a Suavignon Blanc/Semillon blend, still tastes thinner and skinnier than previous vintages, but probably would be great with oysters. Definitely a food wine! The 2004 D2 seems thinner, too. Not as elegant and Margaux-like as previous vintages. The 2004 Syrah is big, fruity and delicious, but just doesn't go as well with chocolate as the Bordeaux blends. Last time, I preferred the 2004 Harrison, but this time around I preferred the more opulent, fruit forward 2004Chaleur. Both of these Bordeaux-style blends of Cab, Merlot, Cab Franc and Petit Verdot are delicious in different ways. The Harrison is more austere, more like a classic French Bordeaux, whereas the Chaleur seems more like a California Meritage or Bordeaux style wine. Ciel du Cheval produces great grapes that make some of the best wines in Washington. If Crand Ciel turns out to be anything like Ciel du Cheval, look for the next 100 point wine from Washington.