WOODINVILLE, WA (February 17, 2021) – DeLille Cellars, the third oldest winery in Woodinville and a pioneer of Bordeaux-style blends, is releasing its 25th vintage of Harrison Hill, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc labelled after the five-acre vineyard of the same name with the second oldest Cabernet Sauvignon vines in Washington State.
“Of all the vineyards we work with, Harrison Hill has the most distinct style. When you have 60-year-old vines, they take on a character of their own,” said Director of Winemaking and Viticulture Jason Gorski. “You have these old vines with deep roots that aren’t overly vigorous. The small fruit clusters are packed with flavor and hang on the vine well into October, adding more and more complexity.”
Harrison Hill Vineyard, Snipes Mountain AVA, Washington State
The Cabernet Sauvignon block used for the backbone of this cuvee was planted in 1962 and has matured gracefully over the past six decades while producing progressively limited yields. This slow, elegant maturation is a compelling expression of Washington terroir and the pedigree of the state’s founding vineyards. Harrison Hill Vineyard was originally owned by William Bridgman, one of the early founders of Washington’s wine industry, and was later sold to Associated Vintners (now Columbia Winery). Associated Vintners later sold the site to the Newhouse family, and continued to make wine from the vineyard’s grapes. David Lake, MW and Winemaker at Associated Vintners, mentored DeLille’s founding winemaker Chris Upchurch and recognized the potential of the site to stand on its own as a small production wine. It was through their connection that DeLille was able to take over fruit sourcing, with the Newhouse family continuing to farm the vineyard property with the highest quality. In 2009, Snipes Mountain was approved as a new AVA, with the Harrison Hill Vineyard and DeLille’s Harrison Hill wine cited in the petition as evidence of the area’s distinct terroir. Averaging 300 cases annually, Harrison Hill is a small and dedicated commitment to honor this respected site.
The limited 25th Vintage label is shown here by the fire at DeLille’s new tasting room at the Old Redhook Brewery in Woodinville.
About DeLille Cellars, Bordeaux Inspired – Distinctly Washington – Uniquely DeLille
DeLille Cellars is the third oldest operating winery in Woodinville, WA, founded in 1992. Known for pioneering Bordeaux-style blends from Washington State, the winery has maintained a tradition of quality and excellence with over 700 individual 90+ ratings from leading international critics. DeLille Cellars focuses on the Red Mountain AVA and sources grapes from Washington’s most acclaimed vineyards. The winery is recognized by notable wine critics and influencers, including Robert Parker, as one of the top producers in the state. In 2019, DeLille Cellars moved all operations to the Old Redhook Brewery in Woodinville. To learn more about DeLille Cellars, visit www.delillecellars.com.
