Doyenne Métier
Rand Sealey
Review of Washington Wines January 2010
www.reviewofwashingtonwines.com
2007 Doyenne Metier Rouge, Columbia Valley
Composed of 50% Mourvedre, 33% Grenache and 17% Syrah, this red exhibits a rich, smoky nose of roasted raspberries and strawberries, with scents of brambles and lavender. On the palate, the flavors are intense and chewy, with a rich, earthy, chewy character that recalls the great Bandols of Provence. The finish is intermixed with spices, raspberry juices, and sweet-dry fruit confit notes. 18.5/20 points.
Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, NOV/DEC 09
2007 DeLille Estate Doyenne Metier Red Wine Red Mountain
($34; 50% mourvedre, 33% grenache and 17% syrah) Good deep red-ruby. Superripe plum and raspberry aromas complicated by a tarry nuance. Rich, ripe and pliant, with a slightly wild earth and rust character to the strawberry and spice flavors. This very full blend finishes with ripe tannins and excellent length. This wine contained only 25% mourvedre in 2006 and is now "more Southern Rhone in style," notes assistant winemaker Chris Peterson. This impression may have been accentuated in this 2007 by the fact that no new oak was used. 92 Pts.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, Closing Date: 10-31-09, Issue 185
2006 Doyenne Métier Red Mountain Red J.M. 92 Pts.
The red wines begin with the 2006 Métier, a blend of 40% Grenache, 40% Mourvèdre, and 20% Syrah sourced primarily from the Red Mountain AVA. Doyenne’s version of Châteauneuf du Pape is deep crimson-colored with a superb nose of cinnamon, sage, incense, strawberry, rhubarb and cherry. Smooth textured and layered on the palate, it has plenty of lively acidity, sweet fruit, and a plush, elegant personality. It is meant to be enjoyed over the next 8-10 years.
Wine Enthusiast Magazine, March 1, 2009 issue, Paul Gregutt
90 Pts. Doyenne 2006 Métier – Red Mountain
Doyenne’s Métier (40% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 40% Mourvèdre), styled as a Châteauneuf-du-Pape style blend, shows the compatibility of its two main component-Grenache and Mourvèdre-to excellent effect. Fruit compote-plum and strawberry-is melded to light toast and coffee. The wine has juicy acids and a thickly satisfying midpalate whose fruit flavors linger on, adding a little peppery spice as the wine evolves the mouth. Just a whisp of chocolate leave you ready for the next sip. --- P.G.
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Silver - DeLille Doyenne Métier 2006 Red Mountain |
92 Pts. - Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar Nov/Dec 08 (2007 Vintage)
Nose initially blocked by reduction, but cleared to reveal dusty lime zest, quinine, jasmine and guava. Distinctly dusty and tactile in the mouth, with excellent density and lift to the flavors of underripe pineapple, citrus fruits and powdered stone. This showed building definition with air, suggesting that it should be held for a year or so. The dusty finish offers lovely subtle flavor intensity without any heaviness. Very impressive.
The Top 100 Northwest Wines, Wine #56 - Seattle Metropolitan (2005 Vintage)
To create a list of the best Pacific Northwest wines currently in release, Seattle Metropolitan enlisted wine critic Condé Cox, a current candidate for the prestigious master of wine certification, who braved serious palate fatigue from tasting over 1,000 different bottles.
91 Pts. - Jay Miller, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (2005 Vintage)
The 2005 Métier Red, a blend of 50% Grenache 25% Mourvèdre, and 25% Syrah, all from the Ciel du Cheval Vineyard. Dark ruby-colored, it has a lovely perfume of smoke, cherry, damp earth, garrigue, and blueberry. Sweet, supple, and ripe, the flavors have excellent depth, the wine is well balanced, and the finish pure and fruit-filled. Drink this approachable effort over the next 6-8 years.-J.M.
91 Pts. - Robert Parker, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (2005 Vintage)
A delicious, sexy blend of 50% Grenache, 25% Syrah, and 25% Mourvèdre, the 2005 Métier Red Mountain boasts a deep ruby/purple hue along with notes of blueberries, black cherries, camphor, meat, roasted herbs, and a touch of anise. It is a sensual, medium to full-bodied red with a velvety texture, and a voluptuous finish. This stunning wine will be exceptionally food-friendly if consumed over the next 4-5 years. This is the Rhone portfolio of the well-known and highly respected Washington state producer, DeLille Cellars.-R.P.
90 Pts. - Paul Gregutt, Wine Enthuiast (2005 Vintage)
A blend of 50% Grenache, 25% Syrah and 25% Mourvèdre, this offers strawberry/leaf flavors that glide softly into more concentrated, deep fruit flavors of cherry and plum. This is an elegant wine, graceful and fine, with intriguing length and a smooth finish. The tannins are a pleasing mix of light herb and moist earth, and there is a finishing kiss of chocolate wafer. May 2008
90 Pts. - Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar (2005 Vintage)
Good medium red. Captivating aromas of red cherry, raspberry and spices, lifted by exotic suggestions of apricot and citrus zest. Generous, lush and pliant, with lovely sweetness to the fruit. Given verve and grip by notes of apricot and strawberry leaf. A very successful blend, and full of life.
www.wineaccess.com
Zino Society - Paul Gregutt's Wine Picks
2005 Doyenne Métier
Its companion wine is the 2005 Doyenne Métier Red Wine, also from Ciel du Cheval. This is a blend of
50% Grenache, 25% Syrah and 25% Mourvedre. Strawberry/leaf flavors combine right at the start, gliding softly into more concentrated, deep fruit flavors of cherry and plum. It is an elegant wine, graceful and fine, with intriguing length and a smooth finish. The tannins are a pleasing mix of light herb and moist earth, and there is a lovely kiss of chocolate wafer right at the end.
–Paul Gregutt
