- 94 points -

A lush nose of black cherry, walnut, blackberry and blueberry. Full-bodied with fine tannins. Rich and dense layers of dark fruit with brooding complexity. Coffee, clove, charred rosemary and cassis. Very well balanced. This needs some time to integrate everything that’s going on.

- 93 points -

Aromas of blueberries, dried herbs, black cherries and dried flowers lead to a palate that has a core of sleekly defined tannins and bright berry flavors that hold fresh and long. A blend of 78% syrah, 20% grenache and 2% mourvedre.

- 92 points -

Firm and chewy around a glowing core of blackberry, blueberry and white pepper flavors, this medium-weight style remains focused and spicy as the finish lingers.

- 92 points -

The 2021 Syrah is dark and enticing, with earth tones, crushed blackberries, crushed stones and spiced citrus. This is silky-smooth, energized by juicy acidity, as ripe wild berries cascade across a core of tactile minerals and savory spice. The 2021 finishes grippy and long, leaving a tart fruit concentration to resonate over a layer of edgy tannins. For an entry-level Syrah, this is some pretty serious stuff.

- 91 points -

The 2019 Syrah from L'Ecole N° 41 exudes class with its ripe blackberry, dark currant and Earl Grey tea flavors alongside a soft mouthfeel and a nice veil of tension. Salty and savory tones round out this delicious new wine...

- 91 points -

Precise and harmonious, with layered raspberry, stony mineral and pepper notes framed by refined tannins.

- 91 points -

Bright medium ruby. Sexy, nuanced aromas of black cherry, blackberry, mocha and musky oak, plus a whiff of game. Quite suave and smooth but with captivating mineral energy to its black fruit and chocolate flavors. This seamless, rather sophisticated wine finishes with dusty but fully buffered tannins, an element of brown spices and serious persistence.

- 90 points -

The Grenache (20%) blended in shows itself with its aromas of raspberry and spice complementing Syrah's blue fruit. The flavors are full bodied and lush, pulling no punches but staying in balance.

- 90 points -

Including 18% Grenache and 2% Mourvèdre, the 2018 Syrah Columbia Valley has a juicy, blackberry, peppery herb, and graphite-scented nose that carries to a medium-bodied, elegant, nicely concentrated and textured Syrah that’s ideal for drinking over the coming 5-7 years. It builds nicely with time in the glass, and readers looking for a complex, lively, more Old World styled Syrah that still has plenty of fruit will love this.

- 90 points -

Blended with 18% Grenache and 2% Mourvèdre, this red offers aromas of dark raspberry, huckleberry and dried herbs on the nose. There's a savory sense to the pillowy, soft flavors on the palate. It's high octane but keeps it all in check.

- 90 points -

This syrah is big and focused at once, a wallop of blue-black fruit that still has direction. Its intensity recedes into a lean and lifted finish, held up by a mild grip of tannins and salty acidity; for beef kebabs.

- 90 points -

This wine is a blend of fruit from Seven Hills, Candy Mountain, Summit View, Bacchus and Stone Tree vineyards. Aromas of raspberry and blackberry jam are followed by ripe rich fruit flavors and a warm finish. There's no mistaking the warm vintage that it comes from.

- 90 points -

The 2019 Syrah (there's 16% Grenache and 2% Mourvèdre) sports a deep purple hue to go with classic Syrah notes of darker berry fruits, peppery herbs, violets, leather, and spice. It's nicely balanced, medium to full-bodied, has ripe tannins, and is unquestionably an outstanding wine. It will shine for 7-8 years.

- 90 points -

Honeyed stone fruits, lemon curd, and a hint of chamomile all emerge from the 2022 Semillon Columbia Valley, a lively, balanced, medium-bodied effort that has integrated acidity and a clean, dry finish. Drink bottles over the coming 2-3 years or so.

- 90 points -

A blend of Syrah from four different Washington vineyards throughout the larger Columbia Valley AVA. Aromatics of rich dark fruits mingle with notes of pepper and clove. The palate is intensely ripe, with kirsch, black cherry and black plums. There are notes of white and black pepper spice and savoury anise notes to finish.

- 90 points -

 A blend of 78% Syrah, 20% Grenache, and 2% Mourvèdre, the 2016 Syrah is a juicy, forward, delicious effort that has loads to love. Black raspberries, candied cherries, and leafy herbs notes all flow to a medium to full-bodied, nicely balanced, enjoyable red that's ideal for drinking over the coming 3-4 years.

Wine of the Day - September 20, 2011 Sandy tannins wrap around a supple core of blackberry, tobacco, dry grass and licorice flavors in this focused red, coming together smoothly as the finish lingers. Best from 2012 through 2016.

"…what has been proven beyond a doubt is that anyone who values tradition, continuity, and a track record of excellence, will eventually find their way to L’Ecole’s wines."

91+ POINTS

Bright ruby-red. Boysenberry, blackberry, violet, licorice and black pepper on the nose. Densely packed, lively and quite suave in the mouth, offering concentrated flavors of black fruits, spices and flowers but little gamey varietal funk; just a touch of herbs. Finishes with a firm dusting of tannins and very good length. Quite dry and classic if a bit youthfully medicinal and lacking in flamboyance, this wine needs another 6 to 12 months to harmonize and perhaps show a little more give...

Wine of the Day - September 20, 2011 Sandy tannins wrap around a supple core of blackberry, tobacco, dry grass and licorice flavors in this focused red, coming together smoothly as the finish lingers. Best from 2012 through 2016.