2022 DeLille Cellars Le Dessein GSM, Columbia Valley
93 Points, Wine Spectator 93 Points, International Wine Report 93 Points, Owen Bargreen 92 Points, James Suckling
Tasting Notes
Our 2022 Le Dessein allows the classic marriage of Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah to shine with bright red fruit and warm spices. The nose is bright, opening with a burst of pomegranate and strawberry-rhubarb aromas. Syrah contributes sweet spices like cinnamon and clove, while the Mourvèdre brings big brambly flavors. The Grenache brightens the blend and is responsible for candied red fruit flavors. The balance between these three varietals is displayed on the palate, as the broad yet velvety structure combines effortlessly with the lively acidity to give the wine length and continued bursts of flavor.
Winemaking
Stainless steel fermented, 12-14 days on skins. Barrel aged 16 months in French oak (all neutral barrels, ~6% large format). Bottle aged 4 months prior to release.
Behind the Wine
Nowhere is crafting a wine of intention more evident than in Le Dessein, a Columbia Valley expression inspired by Southern Rhône blends. It marries old-world character with the focus and ripe terroir of Washington. True to its name, “the purpose,” each varietal is blended to elevate the others, creating a wine reflecting both heritage and place.
Owners: Chris Upchurch, Jay A. Soloff, Greg Lill, and his father Charles Lill
Founded: 1992
Location: Woodinville, WA
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 the Red Mountain AVA and other prestigious vineyard sites throughout the Columbia Valley.
Founded on the concept of crafting world-class wine from Washington State, DeLille Cellars was founded by Chris Upchurch, Jay A. Soloff, Greg Lill, and his father Charles Lill. 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).
Available States
AL, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
2022 DeLille Cellars Le Dessein GSM
3 bottles for $79.99 $26.66/bottle + $2.67/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $249.99 $20.83/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
We were lucky enough to receive the Lab Rat email earlier this week and exceitedly awaited delivery. The bottle showed up Thursday, so we let it sit for a day and tasted Friday.
Initial Pop and Pour, the wine was darker than I expected, with a little alcohol on the nose. First sip was tight with berries, so we let it open up for about an hour. We had grilled chicken salads for dinner that the wine completely overpowered. As we continued through the evening, the wine opened up with tart berries, cherry and a little pepper. The alcohol on the nose disappeared and the wine mellowed out nicely. Very Grenache driven blend and the syrah does add nice depth.
Overall this is a very nice wine for the $20 price point. Would recommend and would go well with a nice grilled steak or lamb.
Thanks again to the casemates team for allowing us to be rats.
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: tax and shipping are not included in savings calculations).
2022 DeLille Cellars Le Dessein GSM - $70 = 21.87%
WE:
90 points. Le Dessein’s earthy aromatic combination of blackberry tea and potting soil unites in pleasing fashion with notes of boysenberry tarts and roasted pork shoulder. The Grenache-driven blend features restrained acidity, velvety tannins and just the tiniest bit of heat. Flavors range from red cherries and pepper to cinnamon Red Hot candies. — Michael Alberty. 11/1/24
Bargreen:
93 points. 2022 DeLille Cellars ‘Le Dessein-GSM’ Red Wine- The 2022 ‘’Le Dessein’ is a dazzling combination of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. This offers bright red fruits with good smoky character alongside braised meats, white pepper and suggestions of blood orange zest. Very vibrant and fresh, enjoy now and over the next few years. Drink 2025-2031. 7/25
Spectator:
93 points.
This dynamic red combines structure and personality, offering spirited flavors of raspberry and pomegranate highlighted by garrigue, pepper and clove notes before finishing with zesty tannins. Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah. Drink now through 2033. 2,500 cases made. Tim Fish 11/30/24
Vinous 91 points
International Wine Report:
93 points. The 2022 DeLille Le Dessein GSM from the Columbia Valley is a captivating blend of 44% Grenache, 36% Mourvèdre, and 20% Syrah, delivering both vibrancy and depth. Aromas of wild strawberries, blue plums, and dried rose petals unfold alongside hints of white pepper and crushed herbs. The palate is lively yet structured, brimming with juicy black raspberries, blood orange zest, and a touch of star anise. Silky tannins provide grip, while a thread of savory earth and smoked thyme adds complexity. The finish is long and energetic, carrying a bright mineral edge. 2500 cases produced. Jeremy Young 3/25
@kaolis Let’s not forget…suckling dot com:
92 points. This GSM blend has aromas of peppercorns, wild raspberries and thyme. It’s juicy and peppery with a full body and sleek, ripe tannins. 47% grenache, 34% mourvedre and 19% syrah. Drink now or hold. Claire Nesbitt 3/25
…and Dunnuck . Com
91 points. Blending 47% Grenache, 34% Mourvèdre, and 19% Syrah, each stainless-steel fermented before aging 16 months in only neutral French oak, the grapes for the 2022 GSM Le Dessein are sourced from several sites, including Boushey and Ciel De Cheval. Bottled earlier than many of the producer’s other reds, it’s a straightforward, textured, medium-bodied wine of rich dark fruit, baking spice, and lasting earthiness. Drink now. Drink 2025 - 2026 Virginie Boone 7/10/25
…annnddd Advocate:
92 points. The 2022 Le Dessein is a blend of 47% Grenache, 34% Mourvèdre and 19% Syrah, matured for 16 months in used French oak. The nose is bursting with blueberry and rhubarb fruit and accents of peppered meats and underbrush. Medium-bodied, it floods the mouth with red and blue fruit. It’s structured by chalky tannins and fireworks of fresh acidity and has a long, layered finish. Drink 2025 - 2035 Erin Brooks 4/3/25
@wnance I believe it because there are some hot sites in Columbia Valley (do we know vineyards?), but 2022 was a cool year so this is a bit surprising.
2022 DeLille Cellars Le Dessein GSM, Columbia Valley
93 Points, Wine Spectator
93 Points, International Wine Report
93 Points, Owen Bargreen
92 Points, James Suckling
Tasting Notes
Winemaking
Behind the Wine
Specs
What’s Included
3-bottles:
Case:
Price Comparison
$540.00/Case for 12x 2022 DeLille Cellars Le Dessein GSM, Columbia Valley at DeLille Cellars
About The Winery
Available States
AL, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Estimated Delivery
Monday, Jun 22 - Wednesday, Jun 24
2022 DeLille Cellars Le Dessein GSM
3 bottles for $79.99 $26.66/bottle + $2.67/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $249.99 $20.83/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
We were lucky enough to receive the Lab Rat email earlier this week and exceitedly awaited delivery. The bottle showed up Thursday, so we let it sit for a day and tasted Friday.
Initial Pop and Pour, the wine was darker than I expected, with a little alcohol on the nose. First sip was tight with berries, so we let it open up for about an hour. We had grilled chicken salads for dinner that the wine completely overpowered. As we continued through the evening, the wine opened up with tart berries, cherry and a little pepper. The alcohol on the nose disappeared and the wine mellowed out nicely. Very Grenache driven blend and the syrah does add nice depth.
Overall this is a very nice wine for the $20 price point. Would recommend and would go well with a nice grilled steak or lamb.
Thanks again to the casemates team for allowing us to be rats.
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: tax and shipping are not included in savings calculations).
2022 DeLille Cellars Le Dessein GSM - $70 = 21.87%
WE:
90 points. Le Dessein’s earthy aromatic combination of blackberry tea and potting soil unites in pleasing fashion with notes of boysenberry tarts and roasted pork shoulder. The Grenache-driven blend features restrained acidity, velvety tannins and just the tiniest bit of heat. Flavors range from red cherries and pepper to cinnamon Red Hot candies. — Michael Alberty. 11/1/24
Bargreen:
93 points. 2022 DeLille Cellars ‘Le Dessein-GSM’ Red Wine- The 2022 ‘’Le Dessein’ is a dazzling combination of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. This offers bright red fruits with good smoky character alongside braised meats, white pepper and suggestions of blood orange zest. Very vibrant and fresh, enjoy now and over the next few years. Drink 2025-2031. 7/25
Spectator:
93 points.
This dynamic red combines structure and personality, offering spirited flavors of raspberry and pomegranate highlighted by garrigue, pepper and clove notes before finishing with zesty tannins. Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah. Drink now through 2033. 2,500 cases made. Tim Fish 11/30/24
Vinous 91 points
International Wine Report:
93 points. The 2022 DeLille Le Dessein GSM from the Columbia Valley is a captivating blend of 44% Grenache, 36% Mourvèdre, and 20% Syrah, delivering both vibrancy and depth. Aromas of wild strawberries, blue plums, and dried rose petals unfold alongside hints of white pepper and crushed herbs. The palate is lively yet structured, brimming with juicy black raspberries, blood orange zest, and a touch of star anise. Silky tannins provide grip, while a thread of savory earth and smoked thyme adds complexity. The finish is long and energetic, carrying a bright mineral edge. 2500 cases produced. Jeremy Young 3/25
fwiw
@kaolis Let’s not forget…suckling dot com:
92 points. This GSM blend has aromas of peppercorns, wild raspberries and thyme. It’s juicy and peppery with a full body and sleek, ripe tannins. 47% grenache, 34% mourvedre and 19% syrah. Drink now or hold. Claire Nesbitt 3/25
…and Dunnuck . Com
91 points. Blending 47% Grenache, 34% Mourvèdre, and 19% Syrah, each stainless-steel fermented before aging 16 months in only neutral French oak, the grapes for the 2022 GSM Le Dessein are sourced from several sites, including Boushey and Ciel De Cheval. Bottled earlier than many of the producer’s other reds, it’s a straightforward, textured, medium-bodied wine of rich dark fruit, baking spice, and lasting earthiness. Drink now. Drink 2025 - 2026 Virginie Boone 7/10/25
…annnddd Advocate:
92 points. The 2022 Le Dessein is a blend of 47% Grenache, 34% Mourvèdre and 19% Syrah, matured for 16 months in used French oak. The nose is bursting with blueberry and rhubarb fruit and accents of peppered meats and underbrush. Medium-bodied, it floods the mouth with red and blue fruit. It’s structured by chalky tannins and fireworks of fresh acidity and has a long, layered finish. Drink 2025 - 2035 Erin Brooks 4/3/25
@kaolis Behold, the power of caffeine!
Is this really 15.2% alc? That seems really high for a Washington red and it’s the only thing holding me back.
@wnance I believe it because there are some hot sites in Columbia Valley (do we know vineyards?), but 2022 was a cool year so this is a bit surprising.
@wnance Boushey
StoneTree
Ciel du Cheval
James
Discovery
Vineyards from the winery website. Boushey is cool site, but the others I think are warmer, esp Ciel du Cheval. Seems like a design choice, honestly.