Ordered a mixed case after a visit to the winery when it was just emerging--around 2000, I think. I think D2 was about 25-30/b, and I ordered 6b. Decanted with normal sediment for its age. Dark ruby; fragrant red fruit nose with subdued oak; mature redcurrant, some oak, round, very good mouthfeel; med finish. Delicious--better than some younger bottles that may have had storage issues. Stored horizontally in a cool, dark basement since purchase. My evaluation: I've stopped giving scores on a "100-point scale" as I've become less convinced that they can be meaningful to others. I use a 4-category scale (perhaps with +/-)--not including flawed--which runs outstanding/notable/drinkable/poor. I considered this outstanding- when considering quality, age, and price.
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Past its prime. First bottle I had was flawed - yuck. Second, rather lovely. Deep casis/tobacco nose. Anise and dark fruit on palate. Fine finish. Tannins are receded (still peeking around). Do drink up.
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I have every vintage of D2 since 1994 and this was the best. I thought this would be further down the road to maturity but found it surprisingly youthful. Purple center turning to dark cherry at the rim, just a slight amount of bricking. Nose was initially indistinct but showed more fruit after 10-15 minutes. Palate started tart, but after a few minutes that blew off, showing abundant dark fruits and a hint of herbs. Lots of flavor here, but the best part was the silky texture and super-smooth body. Just a hint of tannins remain. Very much enjoyed with grilled pork tenderloin. My guess is this probably peaking, but should hold at this level for at least 3 years.
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Tasting note from memory. This D2 is impressive, perhaps the best recent example behind the 2001. Thirty minutes to open up and was drinking well for two hours. Rich notes of chocolate and dark red fruit, some floral elements. It’s very well structured. This wine just seemed balanced across the board from start to finish. I think it’s at it’s peak and would not expect it to continue to improve.
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Med ruby, slightly muddy, aromas of spices, currant, plum, pepper, herbs, expresse, charred wood, black cherry, b3, a3+, t3+, nice flavor but turns a bit hot/sharp on finish w/rustic tannins, else nice, d2, similar, not bad but a bit simple, rustic (5.5)
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DeLille Cellars 7th annual Paulee de Woodinville (Woodinville, WA, USA): Poured for me by David Gelles. He and wife Patricia own Klipsun vineyard. If I remember his story correctly, in 1998 DeLille didn't use much (any?) Klipsun fruit in the Chaleur Estate flagship blend, instead opting to use the fruit in the D2 which is (sort of) a second wine. Anyway, David intentionally tries to get the DeLille folks to drink this one to remind them of their mistake... I have to agree with him, as this was lovely. A hint of violet with licorice and briar. OMG, this has huge structure, unmistakeable Klipsun. That said, there is a lot of fruit there to balance this guy out. Very nice!
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3/16/2019 - Oenecnist wrote:
Ordered a mixed case after a visit to the winery when it was just emerging--around 2000, I think. I think D2 was about 25-30/b, and I ordered 6b. Decanted with normal sediment for its age. Dark ruby; fragrant red fruit nose with subdued oak; mature redcurrant, some oak, round, very good mouthfeel; med finish. Delicious--better than some younger bottles that may have had storage issues. Stored horizontally in a cool, dark basement since purchase. My evaluation: I've stopped giving scores on a "100-point scale" as I've become less convinced that they can be meaningful to others. I use a 4-category scale (perhaps with +/-)--not including flawed--which runs outstanding/notable/drinkable/poor. I considered this outstanding- when considering quality, age, and price.
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12/17/2015 - Gary Likes this wine: 91 Points
Drinking beautifully - very much alive, will continue to age.
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12/23/2011 - devman wrote:
still some life in this one. Great balance and plenty of fruit left.
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11/15/2011 - nospeel wrote: 88 Points
Past its prime. First bottle I had was flawed - yuck. Second, rather lovely. Deep casis/tobacco nose. Anise and dark fruit on palate. Fine finish. Tannins are receded (still peeking around). Do drink up.
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10/18/2008 - six sandy feet wrote: 88 Points
Very smooth, sikly finish with blackberries forward. Drinking very nicely now, but agree with prior note that it is probably at its peak.
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10/18/2008 - Mark in Seattle wrote: 90 Points
Goes down smoothly. Needs to be drunk fasirly soon.
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8/20/2007 - Magnolian wrote: 92 Points
I have every vintage of D2 since 1994 and this was the best. I thought this would be further down the road to maturity but found it surprisingly youthful. Purple center turning to dark cherry at the rim, just a slight amount of bricking. Nose was initially indistinct but showed more fruit after 10-15 minutes. Palate started tart, but after a few minutes that blew off, showing abundant dark fruits and a hint of herbs. Lots of flavor here, but the best part was the silky texture and super-smooth body. Just a hint of tannins remain. Very much enjoyed with grilled pork tenderloin. My guess is this probably peaking, but should hold at this level for at least 3 years.
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3/3/2006 - Mark wrote: 90 Points
Tasting note from memory. This D2 is impressive, perhaps the best recent example behind the 2001. Thirty minutes to open up and was drinking well for two hours. Rich notes of chocolate and dark red fruit, some floral elements. It’s very well structured. This wine just seemed balanced across the board from start to finish. I think it’s at it’s peak and would not expect it to continue to improve.
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12/1/2004 - Easter Everywhere wrote: 87 Points
Med ruby, slightly muddy, aromas of spices, currant, plum, pepper, herbs, expresse, charred wood, black cherry, b3, a3+, t3+, nice flavor but turns a bit hot/sharp on finish w/rustic tannins, else nice, d2, similar, not bad but a bit simple, rustic (5.5)
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11/2/2003 - Eric wrote: 91 Points
DeLille Cellars 7th annual Paulee de Woodinville (Woodinville, WA, USA): Poured for me by David Gelles. He and wife Patricia own Klipsun vineyard. If I remember his story correctly, in 1998 DeLille didn't use much (any?) Klipsun fruit in the Chaleur Estate flagship blend, instead opting to use the fruit in the D2 which is (sort of) a second wine. Anyway, David intentionally tries to get the DeLille folks to drink this one to remind them of their mistake... I have to agree with him, as this was lovely. A hint of violet with licorice and briar. OMG, this has huge structure, unmistakeable Klipsun. That said, there is a lot of fruit there to balance this guy out. Very nice!
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