These are exciting times at one of Washington’s historic wineries. A new winemaker, Marcus Rafanelli, has recently been hired, as L’Ecole continues to make some of the best value red and white wines in the state. I have been tasting at this winery since 2002. For many years I have been massively impressed the quality that they can offer in the glass. Marty Clubb, one of the greats in Walla Walla wine, helped build this brand into a national and international pillar of balanced and well-priced Washington wines. Today you can see these outstanding values in supermarket shelfs across the country, flying the Washington wine flag very high.
The third winery in Walla Walla, L’Ecole No. 41 the winery invested in their Walla Walla Estate Ferguson and Seven Hills Vineyards, now utilizing 100% sustainable farming practices. Somewhat recently they purchased a parcel of land that is a high elevation site named after L’Ecole founders Jean and Baker Ferguson. This 42-acre Estate vineyard is set on thin loess soil overlying fractured basalt — a truly unique soil type for the valley. Wines from this site embody a wonderfully stony undertone.
I recently had the chance to taste the new wine from this special site, the 2018 L’Ecole No 41 ‘Ferguson Estate’ Red Wine (OB, 95) which just might be the finest wine from this special location made yet. The wine is dense and chewy, downright massive, and hard some incredible cellaring potential and nuance. This is a great purchase for any serious collector of Washington wine. Learn more about L’Ecole and their awesome new set of wines at https://www.lecole.com/ Here are my reviews of the new L’Ecole wines.
2020 L’Ecole No 41 Rose- This Grenache based Rose shows off pretty orange blossom tones aromatically, alongside kiwi and strawberry tones that all entice. The palate is fresh and slightly sweet with lots of finesse and a lingering finish. This is seriously good stuff that will be best enjoyed while the vibrant core of acidity remains. Drink 2021-2025- 91
2018 L’Ecole No 41 ‘Seven Hills Vineyard’ Syrah- Smoky, savory and delicious, the 2018 ‘Seven Hills Vineyard’ Syrah shows off plenty of smoked meats with blackberry compote, black olives, tar and garrigue tones on the palate. Full-bodied and glorious in its hedonistic youth, this outstanding new Syrah will cellar well over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2021-2029- 93
2018 L’Ecole No 41 ‘Walla Walla Valley’ Merlot- The 2018 ‘Walla Walla Valley’ Merlot is an awesome wine by L’Ecole. Ripe black plum and chocolate covered dark kirsch aromas with baking spices all meld in the glass. The palate is refined and elegant with a terrific mouthfeel and outstanding length. Rich dark fruits collide with minerals, smoke and chocolate cake notes on the palate. Outstanding in its youth, this has a long way to go. Drink 2021-2035- 93
2018 L’Ecole No 41 ‘Walla Walla Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon- A glorious 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, you are immediately struck by the rich sagebrush and anise tones on the nose, with a great wall of dark fruits holding everything in place. The palate is very smooth with refined tannins that mingle with black raspberry cordial, cigar box, black currants and chocolate covered espresso bean flavors. The long finish lingers. Terrific to enjoy now, this beautiful wine will provide drinking enjoyment for at least another decade. Drink 2022-2037- 93
2018 L’Ecole No 41 ‘Ferguson Vineyard’ Red Wine- The 2018 L’Ecole No 41 ‘Ferguson Vineyard’ Red Wine is a compelling blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon with 24% Merlot and smaller parts Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot sourced from this high elevation site in the Walla Walla Valley. Once on the nose this takes on layers of creme de cassis and creosote tones that mingle with exotic spices on this fantastic bouquet. The palate is soft and refined, with good richness and a wonderful veil of tension and salinity. Intense dark fruits mingle with minerals, cigar ash and Turkish coffee tones on the palate, with firm tannins holding everything well in place. Exceedingly good even in its youth, try to hold off enjoying this beautiful wine for at least another two years. Drink 2024-2040- 95