DeLille Cellars was named a Top 100 Winery in the World by Wine and Spirits Magazine Archived 2019-08-07 at the Wayback Machine in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2022.
[11] In March 2019, DeLille Cellars moved all production and offices to the old Redhook Brewery site in Woodinville, where they opened a new three-story tasting room in December of 2019.
DeLille's inaugural wine, Chaleur Estate marks the foundation on which the winery has built its craft of blending Washington State fruit.
Upon release, both Chaleur Estate and D2 received outstanding scores from Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, earning a 93 and 90, respectively.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate described Chaleur Estate as "one of the most impressive Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot/Cabernet Franc blends to emerge from Washington State"[13]
Over the past five decades, the state’s second oldest Cabernet vines have matured gracefully while producing progressively limited yields.
Previously known as Cedar Ponds Farm before the winery began, late Founder Charles Lill affectionately referred to the property as his 'warm and cozy paradise' (later inspiring the name for Chaleur Estate, DeLille's founding wine, borrowing 'chaleur' from the French word for warmth).
From the first vintage, we achieved nuances of white flowers, sweet grass, honey suckle, creamy crème brûlée, and toasted almonds.
In 2019, Stephen Tanzer visited DeLille and participated in a vertical tasting of 1995-2016 vintages and reported "over the past dozen years or so it has been, according to my ratings, the single finest white wine produced in Washington State.
Every aspect of it was meticulously designed by Chris Upchurch - from the orientation of the planting and clone selection to the trellising, every detail is intentional to yield the highest quality wine.
Limited production coupled with long-term aging capabilities make this a highly desired label for wine enthusiasts and collectors alike.
While vacationing in Aix-en-Provence, Chris and Thea Upchurch read an article about the “Doyenne” of Provence, the world’s oldest woman.
“I met this new estate’s winemaker, Chris Upchurch, several years ago and was impressed by the man’s enthusiasm and commitment to producing high quality wine.” – Robert Parker, 1995.
The art depicts Wei’s interpretation of our Grand Ciel Vineyard at Red Mountain, where Syrah is one of the varietals planted.
Most of the D2 grapes come from Red Mountain, a district known for brawny tannins, but judicious irrigation practices encourage steady ripening and supple structure.
2,600 cases made.” Robb Report Top 100: 2004 Harrison Hill “While DeLille makes several Rhône-style whites, its big, lusciously layered Bordeaux reds steal the show.
As it moves through the palate it's laced with smoke and toast, while the fruit core expands into marmalade and tupelo honey, and the wine grows unctuous and creamy.
Known as the “Carriage House,” DeLille expanded the tasting experience to include tented patios on both sides to accommodate the many visitors over its decade of operations.
[17] Masterfully blended, Four Flags is a harmonious and complex representation of the incomparable terroir of Red Mountain and a tribute to our steadfast commitment to this respected viticultural area.
Jason has been instrumental in DeLille Cellars’ success, expanding production and improving quality, including the achievement of numerous Top 100 ratings.
[19] DeLille Cellars has a portfolio of over a dozen Bordeaux and Rhône style blends true to the terroir of Washington State.
The winery sources its grapes primarily in the Red Mountain AVA in Eastern Washington and utilizes 100% French oak barrels.
At the 2001 San Francisco International Wine Competition, DeLille Cellars won "Best in Show" in the Premium red blend category for its 1998 Yakima Valley D2.