2022 DeLille Cellars Signature Syrah Yakima Valley 750 ml

Robert Parker called DeLille Cellars "the Lafite-Rothschild of Washington State." And their 2022 Signature Syrah is built to thrill.

A Rhône-style wine that shows the structure, savoriness, and intricacy of the northern Rhône greats, this Syrah comes from an absolute Murderer's Row of sources: Grand Ciel, Boushey, and Ciel du Cheval. These are among the best vineyards in Washington's Yakima Valley, and they bring the thunder here. No surprise, coming from one of the most iconic wineries in the Northwest. Wine & Spirits has named DeLille to their Top 100 Wineries five of the last six years, and every wine they put out is a winner. 

When he first crafted this Syrah program, DeLille's head winemaker Chris Upchurch forged the trail for Rhône-style wines in Washington State. He's spent the last quarter-century perfecting his art, even whipping up a blend on the morning of his own wedding, leaving him with wine-stained hands at his nuptials. That combination of relentless dedication and all-star sites makes this wine truly exceptional.

In the glass, the 2022 Signature Syrah is deep garnet in color, with a violet-black core. It opens with expressive aromas of blackberry, black plum, and blueberry, layered with cracked black pepper, smoked meat, and violet. The palate is plush yet structured, with dark fruit unfolding over firm, finely grained tannins, energized by fresh acidity. Savory notes of olive tapenade, graphite, and espresso add depth through the midpalate.

Composed of 97% Syrah and 3% Viognier (in the Côte-Rôtie style), Upchurch maximizes his grapes' potential by fermenting in stainless steel with 14–16 days on skins, then aging the wine for 20 months in French oak (18% new). It spent eight months in bottle before release, and now it’s softening up quite nicely.

We put some of this in our cellars every single year—for the price, it's hard to find a Rhône-style Syrah in Washington, California, or France that offers this sort of quality and vineyard pedigree. We’re thrilled to share it with you.