One of the great stops as you are driving into the Walla Walla area, L’Ecole No. 41 is known for their iconic schoolhouse tasting room that has received national attention. One of Washington’s most consistent overall lineup of wines over the past decade, L’Ecole has produced another wonderful set of releases, ranging from crisp Chardonnay to rich Merlot. The winery is set in a 1915 schoolhouse and is the perfect location to taste some of the valley’s most consistent lineup of red and white wines. Marty Clubb serves as managing winemaker and oversees all vineyard management. Production winemaker Mike Sharon has been with L’Ecole since 1996 having previously served at Canoe Ridge. L’Ecole makes a ton of different wines as both Marty and Mike oversee over 90 lots of wine each year. I was hugely impressed with the new 2017 L’Ecole No. 41 Semillon (WWB, 92) which has remarkable poise and richness that falls under $20.00. It is hard to find value like this in wine. L’Ecole has built a very strong reputation for their Chardonnay over the years. I loved their 2017 L’Ecole No. 41 Chardonnay (WWB, 91) which is a Chardonnay’s lovers dream with good richness and wonderful minerality. Learn more about this outstanding winery at http://lecole.com/ Here are the great new wines by L’Ecole No. 41.
2017 L’Ecole No. 41 Semillon- This has pear aromas with marzipan and toasted brioche on the nose. The palate is wonderful with mouthwatering acidity and a wonderful richness. Brioche, Japanese pear and Macadamia nut flavors all mingle nicely together in the glass. This is a simply outstanding value. Drink 2018-2024- 92
2017 L’Ecole No. 41 ‘Stillwater Creek Vineyard’ Semillon- Sourced from the esteemed Stillwater Creek Vineyard in the Columbia Valley, this shows off cardamom, lemongrass and green apple tones on the nose. The palate has a wonderful texture and tension showing off nice citrus and tree fruit flavors. This is a simply outstanding effort that is up there with the best in the state. Drink 2018-2024- 92
2017 L’Ecole No. 41 ‘Luminescence’ White Wine- The ‘Luminescence’ is a blend of Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc sourced from the Seven Hills Vineyard in the Walla Walla Valley. The nose takes on chalk bread, lemon zest and white peach with kumquat undertones. The palate shows a wonderful texture and bright minerality with vanilla cream, lemon zest, Pink Lady apple and toasty brioche. An outstanding wine, this is up there with the best of its kind in Washington and will age well for five plus years. Drink 2018-2024- 92
2017 L’Ecole No. 41 ‘Columbia Valley’ Chardonnay- The 2017 ‘Columbia Valley’ Chardonnay by L’Ecole is an amazing value from this famed winery. Displaying a beautiful golden hue this begins with Asian pear, cinnamon and challah bread aromas that build in the glass. Thew palate has good weight and reveals a silky texture with baked apple, vanilla cream and citrus rind undertones. This is an outstanding effort that will cellar well for the next eight plus years. Drink 2018-2026- 91
2017 L’Ecole No. 41 ‘Evergreen Vineyard’ Chardonnay- Slightly lighter in color than the ‘Columbia Valley’ bottling, this cooler site Chardonnay begins with aromas of nectarine, lemon zest and vanilla cream. The palate is lithe and takes on wonderful brightness. Heavy whipping cream and lemon zest connect with the lithe minerality. Light on its feet and highly refreshing, this is another really good effort by L’Ecole No. 41. Drink 2018-2026- 92
2016 L’Ecole No. 41 ‘Walla Walla Valley GSM’ Red Wine- The ‘GSM’ by L’Ecole No. 41 is a compelling blend of 42% Grenache, 42% Syrah and 16% Mourvedre. This has some really good smoky undertones with red fruits, citrus rind and wild blackberry jam. The palate reveals some serious range, from citrus rind to red fruits to smoky tones. The mouthfeel and tension in the wine is seriously good. This is simply a spectacular wine by L’Ecole No. 41. Drink 2018-2028- 93
2015 L’Ecole No. 41 ‘Walla Walla Valley’ Merlot- This wine shows an inky color and starts off with a bouquet of smoked brisket, black tea, anise and white pepper that build in the glass. I’m astonished how the non-fruit aromas are shining brilliantly. The palate is plush, showing light tannins and black fruit flavors with smoke and a touch of chocolate. Downright delicious, this effort will cellar well for decades. Drink 2018-2030- 92
2015 L’Ecole No. 41 ‘Walla Walla Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The ‘Walla Walla Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon shows anise, black olive and creme de cassis on the nose. The palate shows good freshness and mid-palate weight with black tea, anise, mocha and blackberry pie flavors with a touch of black olive tapenade. The salinity here is outstanding. Drink 2018-2030- 91