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SHOP / 2020 Red Willow Blend

Varietal

47% Cabernet Franc
40% Merlot
13% Cabernet Sauvignon

Appellation

Yakima Valley AVA

Aging

Drink Now or Age 5-12 Years

Vineyard

Red Willow

2020 Red Willow Blend

Our 2020 Red Willow blend is not bashful on its release.  Mouthwatering acid and firm structure are complemented by aromas of red plum, cassis and sweet bell pepper.  There is an exciting dance of red fruits and savory elements to this wine, showcasing the best qualities of Cabernet Franc as the lead varietal in the cuvée.  Featuring dried fig, cedar plank, and all-spice on the palate, the blend offers hints of tobacco leaf and green peppercorn on the big finish.  It will be best to decant this wine in its youth to unlock its full potential and has the bones to cellar for at least 10 years.

$80

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95 Points

— Owen Bargreen

95 Points

This outstanding blend from the Red Willow Vineyard combines 47% Cabernet Franc with 40% Merlot and the remainder Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine displays beautiful florals with ripe red currants, menthol and shades of chocolate covered red cherry. The palate is fleshy and intense, with fantastic underlying verve. – Owen Bargreen

May 2023

Additional Scores:

93

Northwest Wine Report

92

Robert Parker

93

James Suckling

Pairing Suggestions

Perfect with steak, brisket, grilled burgers, mushroom toast and hearty cheeses like Comté or white cheddar.

Behind the Wine

2020 Red Willow Blend

Since the winery’s inception in 1992, DeLille Cellars has partnered with Red Willow Vineyard, home to some of the oldest vines in Washington State. Tied directly to the origin of wine grape growing in the state, the initial vines were planted under the viticultural direction of Dr. Walter Clore, who is widely considered the father of Washington wine. The venerable Master of Wine, David Lake, DeLille Cellars’ consulting enologist in the formative years, introduced founding winemaker Chris Upchurch to vineyard owner Mike Sauer, forging a relationship essential not only to the winery, but also to the narrative of Washington wine. As Red Willow is home to Washington’s first commercial planting of the varietal, the foundation of this blend is sourced from Cabernet Franc (56%). True to DeLille Cellars’ heritage and reputation for blending, we have carefully chosen Merlot (35%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (9%) to complement.

Vineyards

Red Willow, one of Washington’s most renowned vineyards, was founded in 1971.

Red Willow

Winemaking

Cold soaked 24-36 hours, fermented for 14-16 days on skin, with partial native yeast, and aged 20 months in 100% French oak (40% new).