L’Ecole No 41 Merlot Columbia Valley 2018 750 ML

Exhibiting complex layers of raspberry, plum, and black cherry, accented by crushed roses, pencil shavings, and smoky cedar nuances, this full-bodied, vigorous Merlot bursts with flavors of macerated berries, coffee, and kirsch. Charming and ripe, it firms up to finish with a satisfying longevity.

Producer Information
L’Ecole No. 41 is a family-owned Washington wine producer in Lowden, just to the west of Walla Walla city. L’Ecole produces wines from a wide range of grape varieties, although the company is best known for its wines made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Sémillon. The estate was founded in 1983 by Baker and Jean Ferguson with the winery located in an old schoolhouse, built in 1915, for which L’Ecole No. 41 is named (l’ecole being French for school). Here, L’Ecole cultivate 30 hectares (74 acres) of estate vineyards planted on a ridge of basalt-based soils. The estate is named Ferguson vineyard in honor of the company founders. The L’Ecole wine portfolio features varietal wines from mulitple AVAs including Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley and Horse Heaven Hills. However, the flagship range is The Vineyard Collection constituting age-worthy Bordeaux blends sourced from the oldest and most distinguished vineyards within the company’s holdings. In the winery, transfer of juice and wine is powered by gravity to aid the preservation of phenolics and prevent excess oxidation. Fermentation takes place in small stainless steel fermenters to ensure thorough cap management and maximum control over ferment temperatures.