Chelle Den Millie Malbec
⏳ wine.drinking_window
Typically best enjoyed 3–8 years from vintage release.
🍽️ wine.food_pairings
Grilled flank steak, roasted lamb chops, portobello mushrooms
✨ wine.spec_sheet
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.
🍾 wine.about_producer
Founded in 2007 by winemaker Ryan Crane in Walla Walla, Washington, Kerloo Cellars is named after the distinctive call of the near-extinct Whooping Crane. The winery is dedicated to producing low-intervention, terroir-driven wines that highlight the diverse microclimates of the Columbia Valley and Walla Walla Valley. Sourcing fruit from esteemed sites such as Boushey, Upland, and Lonesome Spring Ranch, Kerloo focuses on crafting exceptional Rhône and Spanish-style expressions, including vibrant Syrah, Grenache, and Tempranillo, alongside crisp, mineral-driven Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay.