2022 Métier Red Blend by DeLille Cellars, Columbia Valley
91 Points, Vinous
Tasting Notes
Bold and plush, the Métier Red Blend offers generous fruit aromas of blueberries and black cherries. Rich flavors and lush structure combine on the palate with undeniable appeal. Fruit forward and accessible, lively and full of delicious flavor, this pleasurable, charming wine offers satisfaction to a wide audience.
The sun-soaked Columbia Valley of Washington State provides ideal growing conditions for wine grapes, with dramatic swings in temperature from day to night. This natural phenomenon, known as diurnal shift, offers cool nights that conserve acidity and intense sunny days that infuse bold, ripe fruit flavors. The Métier label celebrates this distinctive fruit and all of the diligent hands in the vineyard and cellar that meticulously craft our wines.
Pair Métier Red Blend with roasted meat dishes such as Braised Lamb, Seared Duck Breast, Stews, and Game. Vegetarian pairings include Smoked Vegetables or Loaded Potatoes.
Owners: Chris Upchurch, Jay A. Soloff, Greg Lill, and 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
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, 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
Lab rat here, sort of reporting for duty. Unfortunately, due to a canceled flight, we are stuck in a hotel room tonight, 2000 miles away from this particular bottle of wine. So I asked my parents to pinch hit. A quick guide so you know where they’re coming from: Mom drinks a lot of red wine, and favors big fruit bomb-y zins. She loves Scott Harvey InZinerator and the like, doesn’t mind a good full bodied Cab, but has little interest in subtlety or old-world styles. Dad has less picky tastes and will generally drink anything, but would probably default to Merlot if mom would ever let him order it?
Anyway the bottom line is that I don’t share their tastes, but with that said they can generally tell swill from good stuff. Still, YMMV. Anyway, with no further ado, here’s what Mom gave me:
“Dad likes it. He says it’s very drinkable and goes well with a nice Friday night dinner. I, on the other hand, think it’s perfectly acceptable but nothing special. It’s fruity ( which I like), but find it a bit thin and forgettable. I’d buy it for an inexpensive meal but wouldn’t go out of my way to look for it.”
There you have it, FWIW. It’s possible they’ll have left me some in the bottle and I’ll be able to give it a taste on Sunday afternoon. If that happens and I have anything interesting to share, I’ll report back.
@Winedavid59 OK, finally got home at 2 am last night and was able to sample a bit of the now 48 hours open wine this afternoon. And… I like it! It definitely has more of an old world style about it, which helps explain why Mom didn’t love it. I get raisiny notes and a pleasant muted fruitiness. I’d drink it with turkey and stuffing. Mrs Z says “it’s drinkable and I’d have it with pizza. Does this help anyone? I doubt it. But there you go.
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: tax and shipping are not included in savings calculations.)
2022 Métier Red Blend by DeLille Cellars - $30 = 17.65%
The above mentioned Vinous thoughts:
91 points. Sweet florals and ripe fruits leap from the glass, but the palate of this wine is made in an approachable style at an approachable price point. The palate offers freshness to balance the ripe fruits, clove, liquorice, a wack of dried herbs and a dash of white pepper. Drink 2024 - 2028. Eric Guido 12/24
Wine Advocate, a recent sip:
The 2022 Métier Red Blend is composed of 55% Syrah, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Malbec, matured in 8% new French oak. It opens with tones of gravel dust and pipe tobacco that give way to ripe red and black cherry fruit. The full-bodied palate is ripe without going over the top. It’s structured by clay-textured tannins and juicy acidity and has an easygoing finish. 7,325 cases produced. Drink 2025 - 2030. Erin Brooks. 4/3/25
Wine Spectacle:
90 points. Zesty and full of spices, this red offers snappy cherry, espresso, smoky herb and licorice flavors that end with perky tannins. Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec. Drink now through 2031. 7,325 cases made. Tim Fish. 4/14/25
I really don’t like writing negative reviews, but it’s my job to be honest.
We happened to have been going to a small birthday gathering with several friends last evening, so I asked if they’d all like to lab rat together (there were 8 of us). I thought it would be fun, and I’d get some great feedback, especially since a few of the folks are way more into wine than I am.
Unfortunately, I think we may have gotten a bad bottle. The cork was brittle and there was some bleed - which wasn’t a good sign.
To me, the wine smelled really jammy, but there was an underlying heavy musty tone as well.
Now, I’m pretty sure I didn’t make a face or say anything, and as the bottle was passed around, someone else said “This doesn’t smell right”. Everyone agreed.
Oh no.
We all tried it anyway - but the wine had definitely turned and was sour. None of us took more than a few sips before we all put our glasses down and left it alone.
I did see that reviews for this bottle (online) look pretty good, but I’m unable to recommend this simply based on our experience.
@jtallant Sounds corked maybe? Although that wouldn’t contribute to a brittle cork. Had a corked bottle of Handley pinot the other day, first one in a long time.
As a smoker that quit smoking in 1972, it’s hard to understand or want to drink wine that It “opens with tones of gravel dust and pipe tobacco”. I’m not knocking the Rat that provided their honest thoughts. Thankfully, I’ll keep my funds in my wallet until an offer fits my pallet and my stash depletes to a few cases! That could take a long time since I have very little room in the cool basement.
Palate: Refers to the roof of the mouth or one’s sense of taste.
Palette: Pertains to an artist’s paint board or a range of colors.
Pallet: Denotes a platform for goods transportation or a makeshift mattress or bed.
2022 Métier Red Blend by DeLille Cellars, Columbia Valley
91 Points, Vinous
Tasting Notes
Specs
What’s Included
6-bottles:
Case:
Price Comparison
$300.00/Case for 12x 2022 Métier Red Blend by DeLille Cellars, Columbia Valley at DeLille Cellars
About The Winery
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, 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, Jul 7 - Wednesday, Jul 9
2022 Métier Red Blend by DeLille Cellars
6 bottles for $84.99 $14.17/bottle + $1.33/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $139.99 $11.67/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
Fun wine, IMO.
Lab rat here, sort of reporting for duty. Unfortunately, due to a canceled flight, we are stuck in a hotel room tonight, 2000 miles away from this particular bottle of wine. So I asked my parents to pinch hit. A quick guide so you know where they’re coming from: Mom drinks a lot of red wine, and favors big fruit bomb-y zins. She loves Scott Harvey InZinerator and the like, doesn’t mind a good full bodied Cab, but has little interest in subtlety or old-world styles. Dad has less picky tastes and will generally drink anything, but would probably default to Merlot if mom would ever let him order it?
Anyway the bottom line is that I don’t share their tastes, but with that said they can generally tell swill from good stuff. Still, YMMV. Anyway, with no further ado, here’s what Mom gave me:
“Dad likes it. He says it’s very drinkable and goes well with a nice Friday night dinner. I, on the other hand, think it’s perfectly acceptable but nothing special. It’s fruity ( which I like), but find it a bit thin and forgettable. I’d buy it for an inexpensive meal but wouldn’t go out of my way to look for it.”
There you have it, FWIW. It’s possible they’ll have left me some in the bottle and I’ll be able to give it a taste on Sunday afternoon. If that happens and I have anything interesting to share, I’ll report back.
@jakezim LOVE THIS!
@Winedavid59 OK, finally got home at 2 am last night and was able to sample a bit of the now 48 hours open wine this afternoon. And… I like it! It definitely has more of an old world style about it, which helps explain why Mom didn’t love it. I get raisiny notes and a pleasant muted fruitiness. I’d drink it with turkey and stuffing. Mrs Z says “it’s drinkable and I’d have it with pizza. Does this help anyone? I doubt it. But there you go.
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: tax and shipping are not included in savings calculations.)
2022 Métier Red Blend by DeLille Cellars - $30 = 17.65%
The above mentioned Vinous thoughts:
91 points. Sweet florals and ripe fruits leap from the glass, but the palate of this wine is made in an approachable style at an approachable price point. The palate offers freshness to balance the ripe fruits, clove, liquorice, a wack of dried herbs and a dash of white pepper. Drink 2024 - 2028. Eric Guido 12/24
Wine Advocate, a recent sip:
The 2022 Métier Red Blend is composed of 55% Syrah, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Malbec, matured in 8% new French oak. It opens with tones of gravel dust and pipe tobacco that give way to ripe red and black cherry fruit. The full-bodied palate is ripe without going over the top. It’s structured by clay-textured tannins and juicy acidity and has an easygoing finish. 7,325 cases produced. Drink 2025 - 2030. Erin Brooks. 4/3/25
Wine Spectacle:
90 points. Zesty and full of spices, this red offers snappy cherry, espresso, smoky herb and licorice flavors that end with perky tannins. Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec. Drink now through 2031. 7,325 cases made. Tim Fish. 4/14/25
fwiw
Good Morning -
Lab rat reporting in for duty.
I really don’t like writing negative reviews, but it’s my job to be honest.
We happened to have been going to a small birthday gathering with several friends last evening, so I asked if they’d all like to lab rat together (there were 8 of us). I thought it would be fun, and I’d get some great feedback, especially since a few of the folks are way more into wine than I am.
Unfortunately, I think we may have gotten a bad bottle. The cork was brittle and there was some bleed - which wasn’t a good sign.
To me, the wine smelled really jammy, but there was an underlying heavy musty tone as well.
Now, I’m pretty sure I didn’t make a face or say anything, and as the bottle was passed around, someone else said “This doesn’t smell right”. Everyone agreed.
Oh no.
We all tried it anyway - but the wine had definitely turned and was sour. None of us took more than a few sips before we all put our glasses down and left it alone.
I did see that reviews for this bottle (online) look pretty good, but I’m unable to recommend this simply based on our experience.
Sorry ya’ll.
@jtallant Sounds corked maybe? Although that wouldn’t contribute to a brittle cork. Had a corked bottle of Handley pinot the other day, first one in a long time.
As a smoker that quit smoking in 1972, it’s hard to understand or want to drink wine that It “opens with tones of gravel dust and pipe tobacco”. I’m not knocking the Rat that provided their honest thoughts. Thankfully, I’ll keep my funds in my wallet until an offer fits my pallet and my stash depletes to a few cases! That could take a long time since I have very little room in the cool basement.
@Boatman72 my wallet has purchased an entire pallet of wine this year!
@ttboy23 LOL…sorry I was painting!
Palate: Refers to the roof of the mouth or one’s sense of taste.
Palette: Pertains to an artist’s paint board or a range of colors.
Pallet: Denotes a platform for goods transportation or a makeshift mattress or bed.