2022 DeLille Cellars Métier Cabernet Sauvignon

DeLille Cellars is regarded as a top American producer of Bordeaux-style blends, showcasing a tradition of quality and excellence over its 30-year history. DeLille remains a principal influence in establishing Washington State as a premier viticultural region, with a focus on several prestigious vineyard sites throughout the Columbia Valley.

DeLille Cellars was founded by Chris Upchurch, Jay A. Soloff, Greg Lill, and his father Charles Lill, on the concept of crafting world-class wine from Washington State. The four founders believed that all good blends transcend the sum of their individual parts, and this principle and company philosophy of “always seeking” guides the winery’s commitment to constant improvement, continuous discovery in the cellar, and ultimately the creation of exceptional wines and experiences.

DeLille was one of the first five wineries in Washington to receive Robert Parker’s 5-star excellence rating. The winery’s legacy of consistent quality and acclaim includes over 900 individual 90+ ratings from top international critics, numerous placements on Top 100 lists, and five Wine & Spirits Top 100 Wineries of the World accolades (2017-2020 & 2022).

Métier, meaning craft, trade, or forte, celebrates the distinctive fruit and diligent hands that aim to showcase the unique and exceptional quality of the Columbia Valley. The brand pays homage to the expertise and artistry of the winemaking process from grape to glass. The label, designed by artist Becca Fuhrman, acknowledges the very best of the hands that diligently work the vineyards and the cellar. The sun and moon iconography tie in the connection to the land and the concept of diurnal shift.

The Columbia Valley experiences dramatic temperature swings from day to night—the diurnal shift. The cool nights conserve acidity in the fruit and the intense sunny days infuse bold, ripe fruit flavors. The wines that result from these grapes have a wonderful balance between acidity and vibrant fruit flavors, with soft tannins.

Métier Cabernet Sauvignon is a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon that undergoes 8-10 days of maceration on the skins and is then aged in 40% new French Oak. It is described by the winemaker: “Métier is an inviting, smooth wine with black cherry and plum aromas pouring from the glass. Flavors of bold dark fruits and charming notes of baking spice combine with a juicy mid palate and pleasantly firm, dry finish.”

This wine was awarded 94 points by the Decanter and 91 points by Wine & Spirits.

This is a very approachable, versatile wine that will pair well with a wide variety of cuisines.