2019 Delille Cellars ‘Chaleur Blanc’ White Bordeaux Blend Columbia Valley

VIN92+ Pale bright yellow. Subtle oak spices complement but also partly mask ripe scents of lemon zest, white stone fruits and damp rock. Intensely flavored and seriously rich but firm and youthfully under wraps. The spicy quality intensifies the citrus, white peach and fresh hay flavors and carries the very long, bracing finish. As young as this is today, the spicy oak sweetness gives it some early appeal, and the wine shows no edges. But it would be a shame not to hold onto it for at least a year or two, as my experience with this bottling (see my vertical tasting published on Vinous in January of this year) suggests it routinely evolves gracefully for a decade or more in a properly cool cellar. (the 25th vintage for what I consider to be Washington State’s top white wine)
WA92 The 2019 Chaleur Blanc celebrates its 25th year with a blend of 69% Sauvignon Blanc and 31% Semillon. Opening with a beautifully floral nose lifted by the elegance of French oak, the wine has aromas of crushed citrus blossom with subtle notes of cheese rind, juicy yellow apples and Key lime pie nuances that capture your attention. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is broad, waxy and textured, ending with energetic acidity on the long, pleasing finish. The wine was 90% barrel fermented in French oak, 60% first fill. 48,000 bottles produced. It’s going to be hard to beat this quality at this price. Bravo!