L’Ecole N° 41 is a third-generation family-owned, artisan winery that is housed in the historic Frenchtown School depicted on its label. Frenchtown derived its name from the many French Canadians who settled in the Walla Walla Valley during the early 1800s. Legend has it these men of French descent raised grapes and produced wine. By the 1860s, nurseries, vineyards, and winemaking had become a part of the valley’s growing economy. The winery name, L’Ecole N° 41 – French for “the school” located in school district 41 – was chosen to salute these pioneer viticulture efforts. Founded in 1983, L’Ecole N° 41 was the third winery established in Walla Walla and since that time, has been a pioneering winery of Washington State. Their focus is to produce ultra-premium, distinctive wines that reflect the unmistakable typicity of Washington State and the unique terroir of their Walla Walla Valley vineyards. L’Ecole is one of the most honored wineries in Washington State and has garnered national and international accolades over the years. The winery has been recognized by Wine & Spirits Magazine as a Top 100 Winery of the Year fifteen times.

We will sample:

Semillon 2021 — Few Semillons show as much richness and complexity as those produced in the distinctive soils of Eastern Washington State. The cool nights during the growing season and harvest period help to ensure crisp natural acidity and expressive aromatics, making this a good food-pairing wine. L’Ecole is recognized internationally as a leading producer of this unique varietal. Refreshing and richly textured, this Semillon shows aromas of Asian pear, lemon, peach, and green apple. Balanced and bright in the mouth, it features a classic expression of light toast, lemon oil, underpinned with pronounced minerality. Contrasting flavors of white pepper and nuances of nutmeg add interest and carry the wine through to a flavorful, elegant finish. 82% Semillon, 18% Sauvignon Blanc. 4,500 cases produced. 13.5% ABV. $23/$7.50

Frenchtown Red 2020 — Frenchtown, Walla Walla Valley’s first settlement, was founded by French Canadians in the early 1800s. A thriving viticulture and wine-making community was established in the Valley by the 1860s. This Frenchtown wine salutes those pioneers. This blend offers a bright, fresh fruit-forward profile of boysenberry, blueberry, blackberry, and plum accented by violets and mint. Vivid fruit and spice flavors are framed by a medium-bodied structure, leading to a balanced and lengthy finish. This is a complicated blend: 80% BORDEAUX style (41% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot, 4% Malbec); 20% RHONEstyle (9% Syrah, 7% Grenache, 4% Mourvèdre). 4,000 cases produced. 14.5% ABV. $28/$9.50

Merlot 2019 — L’Ecole N° 41 is recognized as one of Washington State’s top producers of premium Merlot and this wine delivers with structure, color, and balanced acidity. Exhibiting lively aromas of plum and black cherry, accented by tobacco leaf, crushed roses, cedar nuances, this Merlot presents an enchanting old-world character, full-bodied and vigorous, with flavors of macerated berries, coffee, and kirsch. It finishes with balance and a satisfying longevity. 81% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Franc, 3% Malbec, 3% Petit Verdot. 5,100 cases produced. 14.5% ABV. $30.50/$10

See you Friday!