L'Ecole No 41 was one of the first few Washington wines I had when I moved here in 2009. I was pleased by the quality offered in their distribution lineup, often found at the local grocery store. This family owned winery established themselves in Walla Walla, in the early 80's. Sourcing includes their Estate Ferguson and Estate Seven Hills Vineyards. When they opened the tasting room in Woodinville, I had to dig deeper into their portfolio. I love a good Chenin, their 2022 Old Vines Chenin Blanc hit the mark, and their 2020 Estate Syrah offered mouthwatering fruit and firm structure. Read on for the tasting.
2022 Old Vines Chenin Blanc
Aromas of peach, soft and bursting with lemon, lime, fresh and rounded acidity, finishing clean with notes of wet stone. $19. Score 92.
2020 Estate Merlot
A dry merlot, offering plum, white pepper, coffee grounds, salinity and grippy tannins. $42. Score 89.
2020 Estate Syrah
20% whole cluster. Violets, light perfume, white pepper nose. A structured, firm Syrah with mouthwatering black and blue fruit, sour cherries. Long finish with asian spice and drying tannins. Long decant, or cellar another year. $42. Score 91.
2020 Walla Walla Cabernet Sauvignon
Black and blueberries, black pepper, tobacco, drying grippy tannins. Cellar. $44. Score 89.
2020 Estate Ferguson
Cab dominant bdx blend. Layers of blackberries and dark red cherries, between grippy tannins, notes of coffee and tobacco. $70. Score 90.
