Today we share one of the great wines of Walla Walla. One of Washington’s oldest wineries, L’Ecole No. 41 is set at a historic schoolhouse outside the town of Walla Walla. Winemaker Marcus Rafanelli has been crafting a beautiful range of wines. Last year I had a chance to visit with him and GM Marty Clubb, as we tasted some older releases. These wines cellar so remarkably well.
The new wines this year have been consistently great, from concentrated Syrah to finesse-laden Rose. I love the new 2024 L’Ecole No. 41 Rose (OB, 92) which is soft, round and filled with finesse. Learn more about this outstanding winery at http://lecole.com/ Here are the great new wines by L’Ecole No. 41.
2024 L’Ecole No. 41 ‘Alder Ridge Vineyard’ Rose- Coming from this south-facing ridge in the southern end of the Horse Heaven Hills AVA, the 2024 Rose offers juicy guava and watermelon flavors that mingle well with bright pear and copious minerals on the palate. This is seriously good stuff that is drinking marvelously now. Drink 2025-2031- 92
2024 L’Ecole No. 41 ‘Yakima Valley’ Chenin Blanc- The seriously good ‘Yakima Valley’ Chenin Blanc is an ode to wines made 20 years ago. It is neatly-textured stuff with buttered brioche and salted pear flavors that combine with shades of cashew nut. Gorgeous now, enjoy this killer value over the next few years. Drink 2025-2030- 91
2024 L’Ecole No. 41 ‘Frenchtown’ Sauvignon Blanc- The 2024 L’Ecole No. 41 ‘Frenchtown’ Sauvignon Blanc comes from sites across the Columbia Valley. This is round and generous on the mouth with kiwi and gooseberry notes alongside shades of wet stone and green apple. Drink 2025-2030- 90