2014 DeLille Metier Red Blend Yakima Valley Washington State 750 ml

A Bordeaux Master Brings Expertise to Rhône Varieties

What do the state of Washington and the Northern Rhône have in common? The soil composition in their vineyards, for one thing: Both regions are blessed with volcanic basalt and volcanic pomace in their dirt. That similarity has inspired many Washington-based winemakers to try their hand at Rhône varieties, including Chris Upchurch, DeLille’s superstar winemaker.

At DeLille, Upchurch has long been one of the state’s leaders with Bordeaux varieties, and took notice of the shift. DeLille began dedicating serious resources to their Rhône-style Syrah-based Doyenne label, making a raft of wines earning 92 points and above. In 2014, the Doyenne was re-born as DeLille’s “Métier” Red Blend. Pushing the boundaries beyond Syrah, wading into deeper Rhône Valley varietal territory, Upchurch sources from some of Washington’s best decomposed volcanic soils, focusing on the high-quality micro-AVA of Red Mountain. Two sites — Ciel du Cheval and Grand Ciel — form the base of the blend, with a small selection of grapes from the Yakima Valley’s historic Boushey Vineyard just to the south.

The final assemblage on the “Métier” sees 40% Ciel du Cheval Mourvèdre, 24% Boushey Grenache, 19% Grand Ciel Syrah, 13% Ciel du Cheval Grenache, and 4% Boushey Cinsault.

Washington’s 2014 vintage is earning accolades from Wine Spectator, which reports, “Warm temperatures and an abundant, early crop produced picture-perfect grapes with soft tannins in the reds.” DeLille’s recent vintage release is also raking in the praise, with Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate applauding the “unctuous, hedonistic style” of the 2014s. Today’s wine is a perfect example.

The 2014 DeLille Cellars Métier Red Blend is dark ruby-purple at the core, fading slightly toward the rim. An opulent mix of juicy, lush red and black fruit, with violet florals on the nose. Explosive and exotically ripe brambly fruit (black raspberry and boysenberry), mixed with savory spice, cracked black pepper, herbs de Provence, and tinged with vanilla and new-wood cedar. Broad and generous, with tons of weight, and enough bright acidity to move all the flavors deep into a 30-plus second finish.

Wine Enthusiast and Antonio Galloni’s Vinous agree: This is a 92-point wine worth seeking out. Wine Enthusiast calls it “power-packed,” while this Rhône-inspired blend struck Vinous as “suave, creamy and complex.”

An easy-going yet powerful vintage perfect for the cellar or drinking in its opulent youth and made by one Washington’s top winemakers? Don’t hesitate, because if the popularity of DeLille wines with WineAccess members is any indication, this is going to fly. Elsewhere: $46. Today: $29.99 per bottle. 125 cases. Shipping included on 4.