DeLille Cellars, one of the premier wineries in Washington state, is often compared to the best chateaux in Bordeaux. It is no coincidence that the winery recently was named on four Top 100 lists: Wine Spectator, Wine Enthusiast, the Robb Report and Seattle’s Paul Gregutt.

The winery is not often open to the public, so the tasting room was packed during St. Nick’s weekend. And no wonder — the wines being poured were superb; the warm appetizers and cheese-and-cracker table, awesome; and the chateau was beautiful as big white snowflakes descended on it.

We found the 2005 Doyenne Grand Ciel Syrah excellent, and simply had to order a bottle. The Doyenne 2005 Aix was rich and delicious, and the smoky, silky 2006 Chaleur Estate Blanc exceeded my expectation of a complex white wine.

Yes, DeLille Cellars lives up to its glowing reputation, and then some. We are looking forward to returning to the release party in February.

Cheers!