94 points Clive Pursehouse (Decanter): "This white Bordeaux-styled blend is a Washington state icon, consistently delivering perhaps the best white wine in the state year after year. Rich aromas of smoky grilled pineapple and lemon pith are accentuated by notes of petrichor. The palate offers notes of lemon curd, crushed riverstone, streaks of juicy tropical fruit, and soaringly beautiful acidity, which balances the depth and concentration of this wine. Drinking Window: 2023-2031. (8/28/23)"
94 points Neal Martin (Vinous): "The utterly fabulous 2020 Blanc Chaleur Estate white wine is a sensational blend of 73% Sauvignon Blanc with the remainder Sémillon. The Sémillon really seems to be showing a lot here, contributing banana and melon alongside wet stone and lemon blossom that all mingle in the glass. The palate shows good freshness and weight as well as a great sense of elegance and minerality. The length adds to the enjoyment. This is up there with the best editions of this wine that I have tasted over the past 20 years. Drink: 2021-2029. (Mar 2022)"
93 points James Suckling: "Aromas of sherbet lemon, peach and thyme. Medium-to full-bodied with lovely stone fruit on the palate. White-tea aromatics, such as jasmine, hibiscus and chamomile come through. Very tasty. Drink now. (2/15/22)"
92 points Jeb Dunnuck: "The 2020 Chaleur Blanc showed beautifully, with lots of ripe melon, honeyed lemon, caramelized citrus, and white flower notes in a medium to full-bodied, richly textured, racy package. It should age gracefully for a solid decade if stored correctly. This is based on 72% Sauvignon Blanc and 28% Semillon, sourced from the Boushey, Sagemoor, and Klipsun vineyards, and was 90% barrel fermented and aged all in 60% new French oak.Winemaker Jason Gorski continues to do a great job with these Delille Cellars releases, and the 2019s are terrific across the board. I was able to taste numerous 2020 barrel samples, and I have concerns regarding smoke taint on these wines. I’ll taste them again from bottle, but I would proceed with caution on these. Drink: 2022-2032. (7/9/22)" Producer notes: "72% Sauvignon Blanc, 28% Sémillon. Whole cluster pressed, fermented in 90% French oak (60% new) and 10% stainless steel with partial native yeast, and aged 7 months on lees. Offering hints of tropical fruit, peaches and lemon zest, the nose of the 2020 Chaleur Blanc is bright and intriguing, with earthy barrel notes of light vanilla and chocolate mint. On the palate, characteristic grapefruit and honeysuckle flavors are carried by vibrant acidity, with barrel aging contributing creme bn1lee and baking spices to the wine's dry finish. Intensely powerful, with oak influence and notable minerality dominating on release, time in bottle will allow the fruit to come forward and showcase the balance of the vintage. Alcohol 14.0%."
94 points Neal Martin (Vinous): "The utterly fabulous 2020 Blanc Chaleur Estate white wine is a sensational blend of 73% Sauvignon Blanc with the remainder Sémillon. The Sémillon really seems to be showing a lot here, contributing banana and melon alongside wet stone and lemon blossom that all mingle in the glass. The palate shows good freshness and weight as well as a great sense of elegance and minerality. The length adds to the enjoyment. This is up there with the best editions of this wine that I have tasted over the past 20 years. Drink: 2021-2029. (Mar 2022)"
93 points James Suckling: "Aromas of sherbet lemon, peach and thyme. Medium-to full-bodied with lovely stone fruit on the palate. White-tea aromatics, such as jasmine, hibiscus and chamomile come through. Very tasty. Drink now. (2/15/22)"
92 points Jeb Dunnuck: "The 2020 Chaleur Blanc showed beautifully, with lots of ripe melon, honeyed lemon, caramelized citrus, and white flower notes in a medium to full-bodied, richly textured, racy package. It should age gracefully for a solid decade if stored correctly. This is based on 72% Sauvignon Blanc and 28% Semillon, sourced from the Boushey, Sagemoor, and Klipsun vineyards, and was 90% barrel fermented and aged all in 60% new French oak.Winemaker Jason Gorski continues to do a great job with these Delille Cellars releases, and the 2019s are terrific across the board. I was able to taste numerous 2020 barrel samples, and I have concerns regarding smoke taint on these wines. I’ll taste them again from bottle, but I would proceed with caution on these. Drink: 2022-2032. (7/9/22)" Producer notes: "72% Sauvignon Blanc, 28% Sémillon. Whole cluster pressed, fermented in 90% French oak (60% new) and 10% stainless steel with partial native yeast, and aged 7 months on lees. Offering hints of tropical fruit, peaches and lemon zest, the nose of the 2020 Chaleur Blanc is bright and intriguing, with earthy barrel notes of light vanilla and chocolate mint. On the palate, characteristic grapefruit and honeysuckle flavors are carried by vibrant acidity, with barrel aging contributing creme bn1lee and baking spices to the wine's dry finish. Intensely powerful, with oak influence and notable minerality dominating on release, time in bottle will allow the fruit to come forward and showcase the balance of the vintage. Alcohol 14.0%."
| Product SKU | 355368 |
| Producer | DeLille |
| Country | United States |
| Region | Washington |
| SubRegion | Columbia Valley |
| Varietal | Other White Blends |
| Vintage | 2020 |
| Size | 750ml |
| Color | White |
| Blend | 72% Sauvignon Blanc and 28% Sémillon |
| ABV | 14.0% |
| Ships To |
