DeLille Cellars D2 2022

Drink it now or cellar for up to 20 years. It is recommended to decant it for an hour. Founded in 1992 by Jay Soloff, Chris Upchurch, and Charles and Greg Lill, DeLille Cellars is an American winery located in Washington state and renowned for its production of Bordeaux-style wines. D2 is a blend composed primarily of Merlot with additions of Cabernet Sauvignon and small amounts of Malbec, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc. The grapes come from a number of prestigious vineyards in the Columbia Valley AVA, including Red Willow, Ciel du Cheval, Harrison Hill, Klipsun, Upchurch, and Grand Ciel. After fermentation in stainless steel, the finished wine ages in French oak (just under half new) for 20 months and then an additional eight months in bottle. The name D2 refers to the departmental road that runs through the Bordeaux region, known as the Grand Route du Vin (the Great Wine Road). In the glass, the wine reveals an intense dark red color with garnet highlights and a ripe, fruity aromatic profile with initial notes of plum, cassis, wild strawberry, and black cherry, followed by hints of graphite, cedar wood, coffee, and tobacco. On the palate, it is succulent, rich, and round. It has a good structure and a smooth texture. It is juicy and concentrated, with well-balanced acidity and a long, fruity finish. It works deliciously with beef ribs and grilled steaks, but also pairs well with porcini mushrooms and truffle dishes.