Let me start this post out with an admission that last year I was unable to attend DeLille Cellar’s Spring Barrel event, and I was so disappointed that I have had this year’s release on my calendar since November! I am so glad that Carrie and I had the opportunity to attend this fabulous event.
On Sunday afternoon, my fiancé James was happily stirring up dust on the golf course as Carrie’s boyfriend Bob hiked some obscure but beautifully serene Washington State trail. It is worth mentioning because if I had a nickel for every time the two of us said to each other, “Let’s meet up and go wine tasting this Sunday! Oh, but wait…. I have other plans..”, I would be sitting poolside in Arizona writing this post. (With a glass of Woodinville wine of course!) This was the gorgeous entrance that invited guests into the production facility.
Our first delight of the afternoon was when we realized that the folks at Delille were selling their retired wine barrels. I have had ambitions to create a backyard oasis, decorated with barrel tables for months! I was giddy to take two of them home.
We got things started at the first pour station, which was the just released, 2017 Rosé . This pale, dry Rosé was delightful and I could immediately pick up notes of cherries and strawberries. This is a perfect summer wine that I would pair with cheese, berries and light summer fare.
Carrie and I were impressed with the list of cover songs played by the band. These gentleman were great and their music added a nice touch to the festive gathering.
How cool is it to watch DeLille’s 2016 D2 being poured directly from the stainless steel tank? I know I have mentioned this several times already in older posts, but the 2015 D2 is a delicious red blend and on my list of favorites. I am anxiously awaiting the December release of the 2016 D2 and loved this wine, even as it is still in its aging process.
The events team at DeLille knows how to throw a release party! They had food trucks outside, bottles of water set out for guests, a covered dining area and this awesome photo wall. I typically prefer to hide behind the camera lens but every once in awhile I do enjoy posing for photos! If you are looing for a fun summer activity, check out their Summer Soiree event that is set for June 24th, 2018. Tickets are still available but my guess is that it will be sold out quickly.
Bob told Carrie and I that the glass tube he was using to extract this 2016 Grand Ciel Cabernet Sauvignon from its barrel is called a “wine thief”. I love learning new wine terminology and anything having to do with the science of winemaking!
This was a very special 2014 Malbec Cabernet Sauvignon blend from Quintessence Vineyard on Red Mountain, reserved for wine club members. This wine was a beautiful, deep purple color and so smooth on the palette. I loved the combination of berries and spiciness that I tasted!
The Spring Barrel Release is an event that I plan on going to again next year, and I am so curious to see the new facility once they have moved into the former Red Hook Brewery space.
We learned that there is a plan to have a rooftop wine club deck, which to me sounds amazing! Can’t wait to see it when it is completed.
~Jen
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