D2 2003
Tasting Notes:
Expansive bouquet of blackberries, blueberries and red currants. There are also flower petal and white pepper aromas with layers of oak that are seamlessly balanced with the fruit. In the mouth there are classic merlot nuances of cherries and blackberries all wrapped around a spicy youthful core. This is a rich, ripe and vibrant wine that will age well.
Varietal Blend:
45% Merlot
36% Cabernet Sauvignon
9% Petite Verdot
8% Cabernet Franc
Vineyard Breakdown:
Stillwater Merlot 14%
Sagemoor Bacchus Old Vine Cabernet Sauvignon 6%
Klipsun Merlot 10%*
Ciel du Cheval Cabernet Sauvignon 3%*
Boushey Merlot 10%
Harrison Hill Cabernet Sauvignon 3%
Ciel du Cheval Merlot 7%*
Ciel du Cheval Petit Verdot 9%*
Harrison Hill Merlot 4%
Ciel du Cheval Cabernet Franc 7%*
Stillwater Cabernet Sauvignon 16%
Harrison Hill Cabernet Franc 1%
Klipsun Cabernet Sauvignon 10%*
*46% Red Mountain AVA
Awards & Acclaim:
5 stars: Outstanding Quarterly Review of Wines,"Best of the Best in Washington" (Vintage 2003)
Lush and handsomely styled wine, with plum, blackberry, and rich chocolate notes. Nicely made.
91 pts. Harvey Steiman, Wine Spectator (Vintage 2003)
Lithe, supple and generous with its sweet berry and currant fruit, wrapped with toasty oak as the finish goes on and on. Has impressive depth and elegance for a hefty wine. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2007 through 2013.
90 pts. Pierre Rovani, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (Vintage 2003)
Blackberries, cedar, and pencil lead make up the aromatic profile of the 2003 D2. A medium to full-bodied, Bordeaux-like red with loads of plump black fruits, this expansive offering is spicy, detailed, and well-delineated. Projected maturity: 2007-2015.
90 pts. Paul Gregutt, Wine Enthusiast (Vintage 2003)
The '03 vintage is a particularly good year for D2. The warm, ripe vintage means that this second wine of DeLILLE has unusual sweetness and richness across the palate. Toasty and laden with cherry/berry flavors, good weight and concentration and enough stuffing to hang in there through a long, satisfying finish.
