DeLille Cellars Doyenne Aix 2005

DeLille Cellars Doyenne Aix 2005 is a 750ml Washington State red blend of Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon inspired by the wines of Aix-en-Provence, France. This vintage earned a place on Wine Spectator's Top 100 Wines of 2008, underscoring its standing as one of the most acclaimed expressions from DeLille Cellars' Doyenne label. Robert Parker, Jr. of The Wine Advocate has also recognized DeLille Cellars and Doyenne among the top twelve producers in Washington State.

Quick Facts: Blend: Syrah & Cabernet Sauvignon  |  Origin: Washington State, USA  |  Vintage: 2005  |  Winery: DeLille Cellars

Production & Heritage

DeLille Cellars is a Washington State winery known for its Bordeaux- and Rhône-inspired blends. The Doyenne Aix was originally created by Executive Winemaker Chris Upchurch for his own wedding, drawing direct inspiration from the Provence tradition of blending Cabernet Sauvignon with Syrah — a practice most famously associated with estates near the town of Aix-en-Provence. The name "Aix" pays homage to that specific region and its winemaking philosophy, setting this cuvée apart from the more Rhône-focused bottlings under the Doyenne label.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with rich black cherries and blackcurrant, layered with earthy minerality and a subtle hint of peppery spice. Deeper notes of espresso and caramel emerge as the wine opens in the glass.

Palate: The entry is dense and ripe, delivering concentrated dark plum and juicy blackberry fruit at the mid-palate. The wine is remarkably lively despite its richness, with an energetic structure that keeps the currant and espresso-laced flavors in sharp focus.

Finish: Long and lingering, with smooth, balanced tannins that carry the dark fruit and caramel notes to a gradual close. The finish maintains vibrancy well after each sip, showing no signs of fatigue from this well-aged vintage.

How to Drink Doyenne Aix 2005

At nearly two decades of age, the 2005 Aix is best appreciated on its own. Decanting for 30 to 60 minutes before serving will allow the complex aromatics to fully express themselves. Given the wine's maturity and nuanced profile, it rewards patient, contemplative drinking at cellar temperature (around 60–65°F) without the need for cocktail applications.

Best For

• Gifting a serious Washington State wine collector
• Pouring at a milestone anniversary or celebratory dinner
• Adding a sought-after library vintage to a personal cellar
• Hosting a blind tasting comparing Washington blends to Southern French reds

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Doyenne Aix 2005 taste like? It delivers concentrated dark plum, blackcurrant, and blackberry fruit layered with espresso, caramel, and earthy minerality. Smooth tannins and a vibrant structure carry these flavors through a long, lingering finish.

How does Doyenne Aix compare to Domaine Trevallon? Both wines share the unusual practice of blending Cabernet Sauvignon with Syrah, a hallmark of Provence winemaking, though Domaine Trevallon is produced in the Alpilles of Southern France while Doyenne Aix is sourced from Washington State vineyards. The Aix tends toward riper, more fruit-forward concentration, while Trevallon is often noted for its more restrained, garrigue-driven character.

Is Doyenne Aix 2005 good for sipping on its own? Absolutely — this is a contemplative wine best enjoyed neat after decanting, allowing its mature, layered aromatics and integrated tannins to unfold over the course of an evening.

Where is Doyenne Aix made? Doyenne Aix is produced by DeLille Cellars in Washington State, USA. The Doyenne label focuses on Rhône- and Provence-inspired blends crafted under the direction of Executive Winemaker Chris Upchurch.

What foods pair well with Doyenne Aix 2005? Grilled lamb chops complement its earthy, peppery spice; braised short ribs echo its dark fruit richness; aged hard cheeses like Comté match its savory depth; duck confit mirrors its dense, structured palate; and roasted root vegetables highlight its caramel and mineral undertones.

What sizes does Doyenne Aix come in? The standard release is a 750ml bottle. Other formats have not been widely documented for this vintage.

Is Doyenne Aix 2005 worth the price? As a library-vintage wine that earned a spot on Wine Spectator's Top 100 Wines of 2008, the 2005 Aix positions itself as a premium collectible expression, and its limited availability adds to its value proposition for serious collectors of Washington State wine.

Why Doyenne Aix 2005?

This is not simply another Washington red blend. Its selection for Wine Spectator's Top 100 Wines of 2008 placed it among the most celebrated bottles released worldwide that year — a rare distinction for a Washington Syrah-Cabernet Sauvignon blend inspired by Provence rather than Bordeaux or the Northern Rhône. The wine's origin story, born from Chris Upchurch's personal wedding blend, gives it an authenticity that extends beyond marketing. For collectors seeking a mature, fully integrated library vintage from one of Robert Parker's top-ranked Washington producers, the 2005 Aix remains one of the most compelling bottles DeLille Cellars has released.