About this winery
A family-owned business, L'Ecole Nº 41 was founded by Jean and Baker Ferguson. Today, the winery is owned and operated by their daughter and son-in-law, Megan and Martin Clubb. Built in 1915, the schoolhouse is located in historic Frenchtown, a small community just west of Walla Walla, Washington. Frenchtown derived its name from the many French-Canadians who settled the valley during the early 1800s. Legend has it, these men of French descent were raising grapes and producing wine. By the...
See the L'ECOLE NO. 41 detail page for more information on this brand
Product notes
Over 30 years of meticulous vineyard management is fundamental to the quality of L’Ecole wines and their reputation for excellence. They are engaged in growing and making 100% of their wines. Hand harvested with an average of 25.1° brix, picked from September 1 - 18, 2015. An unusual number of excessive heat days in July resulted in some vine shut down. Proper irrigation and canopy management were critical to ensure vine health and quality fruit health.
Production notes
Over 30 years of meticulous vineyard management and winemaking experience are fundamental to the quality of L'Ecole no 41's wines and reputation for excellence. They are fully engaged in growing and making 100% of their wines. Each lot was hand harvested ripe and gently crushed into 1.5 and 5 ton stainless steel fermenters. Gentle handling of the fruit through hand punch downs and gravity assisted movements were utilized throughout the entire winemaking process. The wine was cleanly racked to 100% small oak barrels, 30% new, with four rackings over 18 months.
Tasting notes
L’Ecole No 41 is recognized as one of Washington State’s top producers of premium Merlot and this wine delivers with great structure, color and balanced acidity. Layered with enticing aromas of black cherry, violet, and plum, this full bodied Merlot shows balanced layers of red fruit and cocoa on a seamless finish of fine-grained tannin.