DeLille Chaleur Blanc White Blend Columbia Valley 2023

“The 2023 DeLille Chaleur Blanc from the Columbia Valley is a masterful blend of 69% Sauvignon Blanc and 31% Sémillon, aged in a mix of 42% new French oak and stainless steel. The nose is intricate and evolving, revealing layers of lemon zest, honeysuckle, and toasted almond, with hints of passionfruit and dried herbs adding depth. On the palate, the wine is expansive and deeply textured, brimming with ripe mango and guava, all wrapped in a silky yet structured frame. Bright acidity keeps the richness in check, while delicate notes of beeswax and crushed stone emerge as the wine glides toward its lengthy, polished finish. A strikingly complex and beautifully composed white Bordeaux-style blend that will only gain further nuance with time.”

“Blending 69% Sauvignon Blanc and 31% Semillon, the 2023 Chaleur Blanc is made in a rich, rounded style, with oak influence coming from its time in barrel, 42% new. The Semillon is from Klipsun Vineyard in Red Mountain and the Sauvignon Blanc from Sagemoor. Salty wet stone, dried apricot, and a hint of honey make it a compelling, medium-bodied white that shows a 25- to 30-year aging potential.”

“Not yet bottled, the 2023 ’Chaleur Blanc’ is a beautiful blend of 69% Sauvignon Blanc with the remainder Semillon. A beautiful golden color, this opens with aromatics of walnut and starfruit tones alongside Japanese pear and orange blossom. The palate is plush and also very fresh. Finishing long with nutty and earthy tones alongside shades of buttercream, this is beautiful wine that is drinking marvelously in its tension-filled youth. This is going to age gracefully for another ten years. Drink 2024-2034”

“The 2023 Blanc Chaleur mixes 69% Sauvignon Blanc and 31% Sémillon, yielding an enticing bouquet of rosemary, sage, lime-infused nectarines and split pine. It is silky smooth and savory in style, with flinty green apple and sour citrus tones that create lovely inner tension.”

“Fragrant aromas of sandalwood, peach pits, candied ginger and mangoes are encased in a full-bodied, creamy and textural palate. Very fresh, focused and classy. 69% sauvignon blanc and 31% semillon. Drink or hold.”