Chaleur Estate Blanc 2004
2004
Tasting Notes:
There is a wonderful harmony of straw, toast and cream melding with grapefruit and honey, lemon notes-all characteristics of classic Sauvignon Blanc. Focused concentration and crisp acidity are balanced with pear and sweet vanilla barrel notes. Bone-dry, crisp, and with understated power, this is an excellent vintage for the Chaleur Estate Blanc.
Varietal Blend:
58% Sauvignon Blanc | 42% Semillon
Vineyard Breakdown:
Klipsun Sauvignon Blanc 39%*
Horse Heaven Semillon 27%
Sagemoor Sauvignon Blanc 19%
Klipsun Semillon 15%*
54% Red Mountain AVA*
Awards & Acclaim:
Best of Washington Paul Gregutt, Seattle Times, Pacific Northwest Magazine (2004 Vintage)
DeLille Cellars' Bordeaux blended white wine is consistently among the best in the country. Rich & buttery, just this side of unctuous, it is smoothly styled with lingering layers of citrus oils, stone fruits, melons and nuts.
91 pts. Paul Gregutt, Wine Enthusiast (2004 Vintage)
DeLille Cellars' Bordeaux blended white wine is consistently among the best in the country. Rich & buttery, just this side of unctuous, it is smoothly styled with lingering layers of citrus oils, stone fruits, melons and nuts. Big but not blowsy, broad yet still focused it weaves together seamlessly, layering in flavors right through the finish.
90 pts. Pierre Rovani, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (2004 Vintage)
Ordering DeLille Cellars' white Chaleur Estate in restaurants has become habit for me over the past couple of years, particularly when the sommelier is willing to decant it. The 2003 (consistently rated in the 90-91 range) has been my workhorse of late but I'm looking forward to the equally delicious 2004 Chaleur Estate Blanc (white). A blend of 58% Sauvignon Blanc and 42% Semillon, it has rich aromatics that offer notes of vanilla bean and melon balls. On the palate, this broad, medium-bodied effort displays outstanding depth of fruit and a silky texture. (Note: It should be served warmer than most whites). Dried honey, pears, apples and honeydew melon flavors are intermingled with spices in its complex personality. Drink it over the next 3-4 years.
