Palate Press Wine of the Week – 2007 DeLille Cellars Harrison Hill

The Harrison Hill was the top of the heap for me in our DeLille tasting (with the Doyenne and Chaleur Blanc close behind). Big and dark and tannic and complex, with a finish that lasted well into each next taste. A bit pricey at $75 a bottle, but this one I think is worth it. Read more on RJ’s Wine Blog.

2007 DeLille Cellars Chaleur Estate – Red Mountain, WA

Like the 2007 Harrison Hill, the tannins are huge on this wine. Black fruit, herb, and vanilla notes, it’s definitely a mouthful, but still incredibly well balanced. The finish on this thing goes on forever. I would suggest decanting for 1-2 hours before drinking. Read more on RJ’s Wine Blog.

2007 DeLille Cellars Harrison Hill – Yakima Valley, WA

The Harrison Hill was the top of the heap for me in our DeLille tasting (with the Doyenne and Chaleur Blanc close behind). Big and dark and tannic and complex, with a finish that lasted well into each next taste. A bit pricey at $75 a bottle, but this one I think is worth it. Read more on RJ’s Wine Blog.

2008 DeLille Cellars Chaleur Estate Blanc – Columbia Valley, WA

My wife and I were both blown away by this wine—huge nose for a blanc, with all kinds of great elements: grapefruit, lemon, honey, fig, and minerals. It’s buttery, but not oaky, allowing the wine to completely cover the palate, quickly, and not set off any oak alarms. Picked up a few bottles of this at the winery and debating whether or not I should pick up more. This will be a mainstay white in our house, no question. Read more on RJ’s Wine Blog.

2006 DeLille Cellars Doyenne Syrah – Yakima Valley, WA

Just recently had the ’06 Doyenne Syrah and thought it was great. In comparison to the AIX (link!), this one is just a touch more drinkable, mostly because of the increased acidity. Again, a big Syrah from Doyenne, with broad mouthfeel and long, lingering finish. Well worth a try if you haven’t had it already. Read more on RJ’s Wine Blog.

2007 DeLille Cellars Doyenne Aix – Red Mountain, WA

Great flavor profile on this wine with lots of black fruit, earth, and spice notes. This is a big wine, but not in an aggressive sense. It still has enough elegance to win most people over—at least everyone at our table. Doyenne may be one of my new go-to Washington wines. Read more on RJ’s Wine Blog.

Scholarship Provides Assistance to Wine Bloggers in Need

Blogging has become a mainstream component of many businessess. While blogging and social media may not entirely replace traditional media, it is becoming an increasingly important segment in media and sales tactics. The same holds true for many in the wine industry, and this growing importance will be marked by the third annual American Wine Bloggers Conference, or WBC, this June in Walla Walla, Washington.

The Rise of Rocky Mountain Riesling

Most Riesling connoisseurs have long considered Germany, specifically the Mosel Valley, as the varietal’s rightful throne. This is probably still true. The Mosel Valley’s unique, steep slopes of sun-absorbing slate have allowed the cool climate of Central-Western Germany to create ideal Riesling wines for over 150 years. But, as Riesling slowly grows in popularity, vintners around the world, the United States included, are giving it a go in new regions and climates. It is no wonder. While the retail sales of Pinot Gris outgrew all other white wines from 2004 until 2007, Riesling has taken that title for the last few years.

2007 Trio Vintners Riot Red Table Wine, Columbia Valley

This unusual blend of 52% Sangiovese, 36% Syrah and 12% Mourvèdre is appropriately named as it is a riot in a glass. A nose of fresh cherries and berries jumps out in your face. There is youthfulness in the palate and yet the complexity makes it a very age worthy wine that makes you want to revisit later. Can’t beat the price for the quality.

2006 Skylite Cellars Syrah, Columbia Valley

A smoky and meaty wine with a mouthful of blueberries and just as dark and dense as ink. Believe it or not, I was served this wine with a dessert of cheesecake with a sweet cherry sauce on top. It worked. Oh my how it worked, leaving a finish of sweet dark port and milk chocolate. From dessert to game, this Syrah can handle it all.

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