Assorted L'Ecole No. 41 Merlot, Syrah, Merlot-Cabernet Franc & Cabernet Sauvignon Tasting Lot

“(Aged in a combination of French and American barrels, 30% new): Bright dark red. Expressive aromas and flavors of plum, redcurrant, spices, tobacco and sexy oak are complemented by a smoky mineral aspect. Juicy, spicy and nicely delineated, expressing clear varietal character and well-judged oakiness. Finishes with a firm dusting of tannins and good verve.” (12/2012)

“Bright, dark ruby. A distinct step up in vibrancy and complexity from the Columbia Valley Syrah, offering scents of black raspberry, licorice, violet, pepper and black olive. Dense, suave and savory in the mouth, with pristine black fruit, licorice and bitter chocolate flavors complicated by olive and pepper nuances. A lovely expression of terroir but not at all an animal style of Syrah. Clubb noted that the wine would have to be made more reductively to show a gamey character but this wine was racked three times. Finishes with substantial toothdusting tannins and excellent length. (ST)” (10/2017)

“Blackberry and violet aromas with hints of hazelnut. Medium-bodied and layered. Polished tannins and a flavorful finish. Drink or hold.” (05/2018)

“The 2015 Merlot Estate (80% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Cabernet Franc) is a more complete wine, offering outstanding notes of blackcurrants, tobacco leaf, and spice, medium to full-bodied richness, and a layered, balanced, expansive texture. Brought up in 30% new French oak, drink this silky, charming, balanced effort over the coming 5-6 years.” (04/2018)

“Foresty and even a touch meaty, this Merlot has a black-cherry core of flavor that’s deep and satisfying; cedar and redwood tips give the wine a subtly savory finish. It’s a complex Merlot for rosemary roast chicken.” (08/2018)

“Aromas of currant fruit and fruitcake, framed by cedary new oak, introduce the 2015 Columbia Valley Merlot, a medium-bodied, supple wine with juicy acids and a clean, oak-inflected finish. It's cleanly made but can't match the depth or concentration of the similar inexpensive Syrah. The blend includes 13% Cabernet Franc, 5% Malbec and 2% Petit Verdot. (WK)” (06/2018)

“Bright, dark ruby-red. Aromas of cassis, blackberry, cocoa powder, licorice and chocolatey oak. Silky-sweet but with lovely acidity and a note of violet lifting the dark berry, herb and chocolate flavors. Finishes with building, tongue-coating tannins and very good length. Serious Merlot. (14.5% alcohol) (ST)” (11/2018)

“This is a true pan-Washington Merlot, with fruit coming from nine vineyards across the state. Blended with a good whack of Cabernet Franc (13%) which reveals itself, baking-spice, plum, raspberry and herb aromas are followed by soft ripe fruit flavors, with the tannins pulled back. Herb and raspberry notes linger on the tart finish. (SS)” (07/2018)

“Precise and lively, with black currant, green olive and spice flavors that tighten slightly on the finish. Drink now through 2022. (TF)” (06/2018)

“The currant, balsamic, conifer and chocolate aromas are impressive with a full body, round and juicy tannins and a flavorful finish. Savory. Hints of herbs. Drink or hold.” (06/2020)

“The aromas draw you into the glass, with notes of blackberry, graphite, dried herb and dark chocolate, with the oak making an impression. The flavors are rich, the acidity high, and the tannins bring a firm grip. It needs time in the cellar to all settle in and come together, but it has all of the stuffing to deliver. Best after 2024 with a long life beyond that. *Cellar Selection* (SS)” (08/2020)

“Rich and structured, with polished red currant, espresso and spice flavors that build tension toward big but refined tannins. Best from 2021 through 2028. (TF)” (08/2020)