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Vinous on L'ECOLE NO. 41
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L'Ecole N° 41 is one of the standard bearers of Washington State wine. They were the third winery to officially begin operations in Walla Walla in 1983 and remain family-owned. The selection of wines I tasted communicate fantastic value and quality in nearly all price points. I was able to tour the renowned Seven Hills and Ferguson vineyards with Owner and Head Winemaker Marty Clubb. These two vineyards are a perfect representation of Washington State terroir.
Initially established by L'Ecole N° 41, in 1997, with the cooperation of Pepper Bridge Winery and Leonetti Cellar, Seven Hills was subsequently expanded to 170 acres. The Ferguson vineyard was created by L'Ecole N° 41 later, with its first vintage in production being in 2014. Seeing these two sites together is amazing; starting at the top of the Ferguson vineyard, between 1,350-1,450 feet, perched above Seven Hills, we are standing on shallow soils, a thin layer of loess, overlying fractured basalt. At the side of the vineyard, Clubb specifically left a large basalt wall to illustrate how complicated these soils are. The basalt results from lava flows that have been pushed up as the earth's plates shifted over time. Shafts run between the rock (ancient steam vents) encasing limestone and iron deposits. The vines of the Ferguson vineyard dig deep into this rock to find their nutrients, which explains why the wine is so full of character. Similar soils can be found in other high-elevation sites in Washington State, such as Red Mountain. As we move further down to the Seven Hills vineyard, the soil begins to represent more of the classic Washington State terroir. As the loess surface gains in-depth, as does a layer of flood silts beneath it. Further down, these well-draining soils become deeper, until reaching the riverbed beneath. Marty Clubb’s excitement and passion demonstrates the potential at L'Ecole N° 41.
Eric Guido, March 2023
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L'ECOLE NO. 41
Ferguson 2021
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$130.00*
* Suggested retail price
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Product code |
548289 |
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Format |
12x750ml |
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Listing type |
Speculative |
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Status |
Available |
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Region |
Washington |
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Subregion |
Walla Walla Valley |
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Varietal(s) |
Cabernet Sauvignon
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Varietal(s) |
Merlot
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Varietal(s) |
Malbec
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Varietal(s) |
Cabernet Franc
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Colour |
Red |
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Sugar |
Dry |
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Closure type |
Cork |
- 97 Points -
James Suckling, March 2024
This young, brilliant, age-worthy wine is wound rather tightly with fine-grained tannins, but a profusion of fresh, vivid red and black fruit is waiting to open up. Red cherries, dried cranberries, blackcurrants and subtle oak spices are beautifully layered. 56% cabernet sauvignon, 18% merlot, 14% cabernet franc, 7% malbec and 5% petit verdot
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L'ECOLE NO. 41
Perigee 2020
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Washington, United States
610014 |
12x750ml |
Spec
6 case(s) available
$106.60*
* Suggested retail price
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- 95 Points -
James Suckling, May 2023
Attractive aromas of ripe blackberries and cassis-liquor, together with notes of hazelnut chocolate, spice box and overturned earth. So dense and meaty, with full body and a velvety texture. The tannins are ripe and refined, yet still tight, and need some time to mellow. Its big and wide on the palate. Complex and lingering. 54% cabernet sauvignon, 24% merlot, 12% cabernet franc, 6% malbec and 4% petit verdot.
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L'ECOLE NO. 41
Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
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Washington, United States
62034 |
12x750ml |
Spec
$62.43*
* Suggested retail price
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- 91 Points -
Decanter, August 2023
A more fruit-forward Cabernet bottling in comparison to the Walla Walla designate, this Cabernet is approachable and juicy. Aromas of violet are followed on by blackberry and mint. The palate is lively and fresh fruited with juicy blackberries, ripe tay berries and notes of roasted coffee bean. The finish is met by a touch of smoked cedar plank and streaks of graphite. |
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L'ECOLE NO. 41
Sémillon 2022
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Washington, United States
74518 |
12x750ml |
Spec
$37.70*
* Suggested retail price
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- 91 Points -
Decanter, August 2023
The Semillon is rich in aromas and across the palate, sourced from five different vineyards across Washington's larger Columbia Valley AVA. Notes of grilled pineapple, bee pollen and lanolin announce the wine's complex, waxy aromatics. The palate shows freshness up front with citrus character and ample richness and depth to a finish marked by beeswax, honey and grilled pineapple.
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