Chelle Den Millie Malbec
⏳ Drinking Window
Typically best enjoyed 3–8 years from vintage release.
🍽️ Food & Wine Pairings
Grilled flank steak, roasted lamb chops, portobello mushrooms
✨ Technical Specifications
Kerloo Cellars' Chelle den Millie Malbec is a striking expression of Washington State's capability with this classic Bordeaux variety. Sourced from the esteemed Chelle den Millie Vineyard in the Yakima Valley, this wine benefits from the region's warm days and cool nights, which preserve natural acidity while allowing the grapes to reach optimal phenolic ripeness. Winemaker Ryan Crane employs a low-intervention approach, utilizing neutral French oak to let the pure, vibrant fruit and distinctive terroir shine through. The vineyard itself is named in honor of family members Michelle and Mildred, adding a deeply personal touch to this meticulously crafted red. On the palate, it typically reveals layers of dark plum, blackberry, savory dried herbs, and a touch of cocoa, backed by fine-grained tannins and a mineral-driven finish.
🍾 About the Producer
Established in 2007 by winemaker Ryan Crane in the renowned Walla Walla Valley of Washington State, Kerloo Cellars crafts artisanal, site-expressive wines that celebrate the Pacific Northwest's premier terroirs. Operating with a philosophy centered on minimal intervention, low oak influence, and native fermentations, Crane seeks to showcase the pure, vibrant fruit character of respected vineyard sites across Columbia Valley and Yakima Valley. The winery is particularly acclaimed for its dynamic Rhône-style offerings, notably single-vineyard Syrah and crisp Grenache Rosé, alongside energetic expressions of Tempranillo, Grenache Blanc, and Sauvignon Blanc.
🍇 Grape Varieties
Malbec