Washington Powerhouse: DeLille Cellars

Steve Woodward in Chicago

It is not easy to stand out in a crowd of 102 wineries/brands when all are being represented inside the space of a hotel ballroom. Such was the scene this week at Gala 2007, hosted by Chicago-area distributor Heritage Wine Cellars Ltd. This is one of the year’s major portfolio tasting events for retailers and sommeliers in the Midwest.

Among those who did rise above the din of swirling, sipping and selling was Jay Soloff, a co-proprietor of the ultra-premium Washington state winery DeLille Cellars.

We were delighted to offer the 2003 proprietary reds by the Yakima Valley producer — Chaleur Estate and Harrison Hill. This vintage, and 2002, were 95-point Bordelais-inspired masterpieces according to Robert Parker Jr. The 2004 Chaleur Estate, which we tasted at the Heritage gala inside the immense Ritz-Carlton Chicago, rivals its older siblings but is awaiting the critics’ final pronouncements. These Chaleur Estate blends are deep in color, abundant in the nose and long on refinement.