The press is in on the 2023 DeLille Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, and the critics agree that this wine is great. Wine Spectator rated it 93 points, and both Vinous Media and Robert Parker's Wine Advocate rated it 92 points.
I agree with all 3 of those trusted publications when it comes to their tasting notes. We diverge dramatically on price; whereas they suggest this should cost you $50, I can beat that price by a bit.....
Not bad for the debut vintage! While DeLille has been making benchmark Washington state Cabs and Bordeaux Blends since 1992, this is the first year they've made a regional Columbia Valley Cab. While they won't disclose their fruit sources for this wine, I can all but guarantee you that most of the fruit came from top Red Mountain vineyards like Ciel du Cheval and Klipsun.
I deduced this because those are the primary grape sources for DeLille's other and much more expensive Cabernet blends. When you couple that quality of site with the perfect conditions of the 2023 vintage, it makes sense why this wine turned out so well. A blend of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon and 16% Syrah aged for 18 months in French oak, this will offer splendid drinking over the next 10 years.
Just over 2,000 cases were produced, and this leads with a knockout nose of dark cherry, blueberry jam, sweet cigar tobacco, cocoa, espresso, cedar, and violet. Just as satisfying on the palate, this is full-bodied, polished, and perfectly structured, with good tannin and acid to balance the ripe and decadent fruit.
I love the way the rich and hedonistic aromas and flavors meld seamlessly with the more savory and complex tones. This is certainly worthy of $50, but you won't pay that much if you buy it from me : )
Josh Spurling
Owner, Operator, Wine Monger
Table Wine Asheville
