Wine Along The 101
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    • 2022 Articles >
      • The Wines of Abruzzo Undergo a Renaissance of Quality
      • Ketcham Estate, Exceptional Wines From The Heart of the Russian River Valley
      • La Rioja Alta, S.A., Innovation and Tradition That Stands the Test of Time
      • Vega Sicilia Celebrates 40 Years of Winemaking Excellence
      • Planeta of Sicily Embraces the Past While Reaching For the Future
      • The Spirit of Renaissance is Alive and Well in “South of Somewhere”
      • Gambero Rosso Returns to LA, With the Best of Italian Wines
      • Falanghina and Aglianico del Taburno, Sannio's Ancient Wine Stars
      • Tablas Creek Vineyard Embraces Regenerative Organic Farming
    • 2021 Articles >
      • Make Merry With Domaine Bousquet Sparkling Wines
      • Discover These Enchanting Italian Wines, From the Fog of Piedmont to the Island Breezes of Sardinia
      • Rodney Strong Vineyards and Winery, Revitalizing an Iconic Brand
      • Thanksgiving Tips for the Best Wine and Food Pairing
      • Escape to Paso Robles, a Wine Country Oasis
      • Escape to Paso Robles, a Wonderland of Wine
      • Smith-Madrone Wines, a Napa Valley Pioneer Celebrates Fifty Years of Excellence
      • Oregon’s Willamette Valley, the Land of Pinot Noir
      • Irvine & Roberts Vineyards, Exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from Southern Oregon
      • BARRA of Mendocino Wines, an Original Organic Wine Play
      • The Opulent and Thrilling Wines of Denner Vineyards
      • L’Ecole No. 41, Expressive Wines That Pass the Test of Time With Flying Colors
      • France's Loire Valley, a Fairytale Land of Storybook Castles and Magical Wines
      • Craft Wine, Shining the Spotlight on America’s Small Wine Producers
    • 2020 Articles >
      • Margerum Wine Company, the Nexus of Sublime Santa Barbara County Wines
      • Catena Zapata, Malbec on High
      • Long Meadow Ranch, the Circle of Life in a Glass of Wine
      • Fontanafredda Barolo Forges a New Future
      • Bordeaux Wine 2017, Surprises in a Challenging Vintage
    • 2019 Articles >
      • The Rising Wine Country of Southern Oregon's Rogue Valley
      • Discover Ashland and the Rogue Valley, Southern Oregon's Serenade to the Good Life
      • Napa Valley Grille, New Fall Menu Paired with European Wines
      • Embrace Your Wine Geek with PRIE Winery & Vineyards
      • Castello di Albola, Chianti Classico on High
      • Nicolas-Jay Wines, the Journey of a Lifetime
      • The Expanding Complexity of New Zealand Wine
      • Prosecco DOC, Splendor in the Glass
      • On the Oregon Wine Trail
      • Albariño and Rioja Star in Spain’s Great Match
      • Exciting and Eclectic, the Wines of Alentejo
      • Blaufränkisch Propels the Red Wines of Austria Into the Spotlight
      • Fascinating Greek Wines of the Cava Spiliadis Collection
      • Revolution In Rioja Wine
    • 2018 Articles >
      • Temecula Valley Celebrates 50 Years of Winemaking
      • The Stellar Wines of Sardinia
      • Italian Wines Prescribed by Doctor Wine
      • The Alluring Wines of Tunisia
      • Gambero Rosso’s Top Italian Wines for 2018
      • Velenosi Wines, From Le Marche to the World
      • Sauvignon Blanc, a Rising Star in Napa Valley
      • Frank Family Vineyards Celebrates 25 Years
      • Markus Wine Co., Sleek New Red Wines Up the Ante for Lodi Reds
      • Lodi Wine, Over 100 Varieties Strong
      • Ramona Valley Wine Country, an Up and Coming Wine Region
      • Hertelendy Vineyards, the Pursuit of Excellence
      • Napa Valley Wine, Nirvana in a Bottle
      • Wine Stroll: Explore Downtown Paso Robles Wineries
      • The Beautiful Shades of Lodi Rosé Wines
      • Doubling Down on Gold Medal Wines: The San Francisco International Wine Competition
      • The Exotic Wines of Lebanon
      • Australian Wines, Rediscover the New Frontier
      • New Zealand Wines, Expanding beyond Sauvignon Blanc
      • Visit France in 2018, a Feast of Food, Wine, Culture and History
      • Bordeaux Wine 2015, A Very Good Year
      • Portugal's Treasure Chest of Wines
      • Livermore Valley, California’s Original Wine Country Reborn
      • Concannon and Wente Vineyards, California’s Pioneers of Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay
      • Livermore Valley Wine Country, the Future Looks Bright
    • 2017 Articles >
      • Viña Ardanza Rioja Turns 75, an Enchanting Wine Gets Even Better
      • The VIP Sparkle of Prosecco Superiore
      • Lodi Wine Country, Seriously Good Wine From A to Z
      • Lodi Wine Country, Old Vines and Great Wines
      • Lodi Wine Country, Winegrowers and Winemakers Focused on the Future
      • Lugana White Wine, Better With Age
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip to LA
      • Sweetzer Cellars, a Life Changing Journey of Wine
      • Lugana and Valpolicella, the Yin and Yang of the Veneto
      • Three R’s of Summer Wine, Rosé, Riesling, and Ramato
      • Familia Martínez Bujanda, Wines Without Borders
      • Codorníu Cava, the Ars and Anna Collection
      • New and Exciting Wines from the 2017 Santa Barbara Vintners Spring Weekend Celebration
      • Sensual Delights on Display at Savor Italy Los Angeles
      • Pizza and Franco Pepe, Italy’s Best Comes to LA
      • Montes Wines, Wisdom in Wine From Father to Son
      • Passionate Pinot Noir Lovers Unite at the 2017 World of Pinot
      • Vignalta, Wines of the Highest Order
      • Santa Lucia Highlands Sensational Wines
      • Gambero Rosso’s Top Italian Wines for 2017
      • Law Estate Wines: Quality by Design
      • Taittinger and Calvisius: Champagne and Caviar Dreams
      • Riding High on American Rhone Wines, The Rhone Rangers LA Tasting
      • Discover Monterey Wine Country, wine and so much more
      • Wines of Portugal, the Perfect Dinner Companion
      • Gruet's Enchanting Sparkling Wines
    • 2016 Articles >
      • The Art of Italian Living, SoCal Style
      • Wines of Alsace: Perfect for the Holidays
      • Oso Libre Winery; Vines, Wines, and Angus Beef
      • Best Wines for Thanksgiving
      • Simply Italian Great Wines US Tour Sweeps Through Los Angeles
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Chardonnay
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Pinot Noir
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Rhône Varietals
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Bordeaux Varietals
      • Achaval-Ferrer, Exceptional Wines from Argentina
      • Celebration of Harvest Grand Tasting 2016 Highlights
      • The Celebrity Sparkle of Ferrari Trento Wines
      • Santa Barbara Wine Country’s Celebration of Harvest 2016
      • The Garagiste Festival, Off the Beaten Path Wines
      • Explore SLO Wine Country, Central California’s Hidden Gem
      • Byron Winery, The Grand Pinot Noir Experiment
      • Crocker & Starr Wines, Organically Elegant
      • Escape to Santa Maria Wine Country
      • The Elegant White Wines of Domäne Wachau
      • Champagne Palmer: The New Champagne on the Block
      • Holman Ranch & Vineyards: Making Memories & Wine at Romantic California Hideaway
      • Luminous Wines of France's Loire Valley
    • Examiner.com Articles >
      • Alma Rosa Winery & Vineyards: Wines Without Compromise
      • All Stars of Pinot Noir Rock the 2016 World of Pinot
      • Ampelos Wines' Biodynamic Brilliance
      • Artisan Uprising: Blood Into Wine
      • Bodegas Beronia Rioja: The Magic of Oak
      • Crawford Family Wines: Unlocking Varietal Flavor
      • Dolin Malibu Estate Vineyards' Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs Shine Bright
      • Hahn Family Wines: Santa Lucia Highlands' Sweet Spot
      • Kimmel Vineyards: Good Wine Flows from Challenging Times
      • Larner Vineyard: Sweet Spot for Syrah and Grenache
      • LOCA for Lodi Wine
      • Lompoc Wine Ghetto
      • Sanford Winery & Vineyards, Delicious Wines That Tell a Tale
      • The Diverse and Divine Wines of Santa Barbara County
      • Santa Barbara Urban Wine Trail
      • The Stellar Wines of California's Sta. Rita Hills
      • Skinner Vineyards, Destiny and Determination
      • Wines of Portugal, The Art of the Blend
  • Wine Reviews
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. 2021 Sauvignon Blanc, in Can and Bottle
    • Coen Malbec Reserve 2019, a New World Wine with Old World Sensibilities
    • Sangre de Toro Rosé, A Light and Bright Summer Thirst Quencher
    • Summer and Sauvignon Blanc, Lucky Rock Wine Co. Style
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. County Cuvée Pinot Noir 2019
    • Monte Velho, Fascinating Wines and Value-Priced
    • Grassl Glasses Add Depth to Wine Enjoyment
    • Domaine Bousquet Sparkling Rosé Brut Makes Everyday a Holiday
    • Festive Ferrari Trento Sparkling Wines For All Occasions
    • Bodegas CARO, the Best of Both Worlds
    • Kosher Wines For the Jewish High Holidays Are Highly Recommended Anytime of Year
    • Oak Farm Vineyards, a Rainbow of Delicious Lodi Wines
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. Sauvignon Blanc 2019
    • Ron Rubin Wines, The Dream Series
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. County Cuvée Pinot Noir 2018
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. Sauvignon Blanc 2018
    • Crus Bourgeois Bordeaux, Expressive Wines at Everyday Prices
    • Légende Collection of Bordeaux Wines
    • Five Contemporary California Wines To Try
    • Alternative Sparkling Wines For a Celebration
    • A Toast to Prosecco Superiore
    • Celebrate with this Pair of Spanish Red Wines
    • A Quartet of Summer Red Wines
    • Spanish Albariño, a Wine For All Seasons
    • Ciù Ciù Wines, Quality That Shines Through
    • A Trio of Red Wines for Holiday Merrymaking
    • Terre de la Custodia Montefalco Rosso 2012
    • The Sultry Arnaldo Caprai Collepiano Montefalco Sagrantino
    • Pop the Cork on Charles Heidsieck Champagne and Bisol Prosecco
    • Garnacha Wines from DOP Cariñena, Beautiful Bang for the Buck
    • A Pair of Greek Wines for a Spring Feast
    • A Dynamic Duo of Sassy Spanish White Wines
    • Anderra Carménere
    • Artesa Chardonnay/Pinot Noir
    • Avignonesi Grandi Annate
    • Château Saint-Maur Rosé
    • La Miranda de Secastilla, Old Vine Garnacha Gems
    • Intriguing Israeli Wines
    • Leviathan
    • Domaines Paul Mas Wines Trio
    • Nobilo Sauvignon Blanc, intensely refreshing and delicious
    • Perticaia Trebbiano Spoletino
    • Stay Cool With These Two Charming White Wines
  • Events
    • Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival 2019
    • World of Pinot Noir 2019, A Magical Mystery Tour
    • Journey to Planet Pinot at the 2018 World of Pinot Noir
    • Great Wines of Italy Comes to LA
    • Wine Along the Beach at Garagiste Wine Festival 2017
    • Santa Barbara Vintners Spring Weekend Celebration 2017
    • Orbit the World of Pinot Noir at the 2017 World of Pinot
    • Rhone Rangers Los Angeles 2016
  • Wine Travel
  • Videos
    • Celebration of Harvest
    • Feliz Noche Wines
    • Terravant Custom Crush
    • Que Syrah, Shiraz!
    • Paso Robles Wine Festival
    • L'Aventure Syrah Harvest
    • Clos Pepe's Prince of Pinot
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As wine drinkers, it’s good to acknowledge and celebrate those visionaries who pioneer new regions and wines.  L’Ecole No. 41 is definitely one to cheer.  Almost 40 years ago, Baker and Jean Ferguson founded their winery in the Walla Walla region of Washington State.  Definitely pioneers in an unknown terroir at the time, today L’Ecole is a third generation family-owned and operated winery, with name recognition among some of the best wines in the world.  Their initial flagship wines, Semillon and Merlot, have stood the test of time, still sought after and receiving rave reviews.  The story of how a retirement project turned into an international business is inspirational, and what Washington State has to offer in the wine world is well illustrated through their wines.
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Courtesy of Washington State Wine
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Seven Hills Vineyard, Courtesy of L'Ecole No. 41
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Ferguson Vineyard, Courtesy of L'Ecole No. 41
First, an overview, Washington State is currently the second largest wine producer in the US, behind California.  Highly ranked among the world’s top wine regions, sixteen AVAs form the premium winescape, all but one residing in Eastern Washington, with over 60,000 acres of vineyards.  Compared to the lushness of the Seattle/Puget Sound area, Eastern Washington is a desert, the landscape formed by millenia of volcanic eruptions, glaciers and Ice Age floods carving out the terroir.  The soils are mineral, and the climate is continental.  The cold winters allow the grape vines to go into deep hibernation, suppressing vineyard pests.  And the latitude is somewhere between Bordeaux and Burgundy, with 16 hours of sunshine at the height of the growing season.  Although it is a shorter season because of its latitude, the intensity of the sun puts the vine cycle into overdrive.  Due to diurnal temperature swings of up to 50 degrees in a day, ripeness and acidity are balanced, attaining freshness.  There is very little rainfall, only 7-12 inches a year, due to the rain shadow effect of two mountain ranges, but drip irrigation is allowed, just enough to keep the vines alive, disease-free and producing premium grapes.  And the key to their survival, wind plays a part, contributing to the grape skin’s thickness.
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L'Ecole historic schoolhouse tasting room, Courtesy of L'Ecole No. 41
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L'Ecole founders Jean and Baker Ferguson, Courtesy of L'Ecole No. 41
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Megan and Marty Clubb, Courtesy of L'Ecole No. 41
Back to Walla Walla Valley and the story of L’Ecole No. 41.  The name is French for “the school” and comes from the 109-year-old schoolhouse that is their tasting room, the historic Frenchtown School District No. 41.  The founders, Baker and Jean Ferguson, decided to take on a retirement project in 1983, becoming a Mom and Pop business producing 1,000 cases per year.  A few years later, their daughter and son-in-law, Megan and Marty Clubb, took over the business and sought to put L’Ecole on the map.  Marty’s business acumen and passion for wine led him to grow the business to where it is today, producing 45,000 cases with lots of visibility in 20 countries and nearly every state in the union.  L’Ecole was the third winery established in Walla Walla, now there are 125; the 20th in the state, of which now 1,000 wineries operate.  And where wine flows, tourism follows, with lots of restaurants and wineries beckoning for visitors to come.
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Marty Clubb, Managing Winemaker of L'Ecole, Courtesy of L'Ecole No. 41
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Marcus Rafanelli, Winemaker for L'Ecole, Courtesy of L'Ecole No. 41
Marty took his mission seriously, “to make great wine in a new area”, and took classes at UC Davis, becoming winemaker in 1989.  He realized it was a delicate balancing act to coax maximum expression from the grapes.  His tool, “deficient irrigation management”, gives low yields and smaller berries, which is the key to intensely flavorful wines.  But it’s more than that, it’s “old school winemaking, new school viticulture and lab chemistry”.  The winemaking comes from hand-picking, whole cluster press, small bin fermentation, punchdowns by hand, with no additives or fining.  The viticulture is sustainable, working not only with their estate vineyards but others that contribute to their wine portfolio.  Today, Marty remains Managing Winemaker but Marcus Rafanelli is the primary hands-on winemaker, still fulfilling L’Ecole’s mission of expressive wines that reflect their vineyard roots.
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L'Ecole winery receiving grapes, Courtesy of L'Ecole No. 41
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L'Ecole barrel room, Courtesy of L'Ecole No. 41
This attention to detail has earned L’Ecole many honors for producing superior quality wines, recognized by Wine & Spirits Magazine as a Top 100 Winery of the Year fifteen times, in addition to a nod for Best Bordeaux Blend in the World by Decanter magazine in 2014.
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Heritage Collection, Courtesy of L'Ecole No. 41
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Vineyard Collection, Courtesy of L'Ecole No. 41
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Walla Walla Valley Collection, Courtesy of L'Ecole No.41
So with all this acclaim, you might think the wines are priced accordingly.  Although L’Ecole makes three different tiers of wine, Marty is determined to “make every bottle a great bottle, no matter the price”.  The black and charcoal labels are their Heritage Collection bottles, varietally focused wines from some of Washington’s oldest and most proven vineyard sites, and can be from different AVAs, easily found for purchase nationwide.  The white label is their Estate and Walla Walla Valley Collection of terroir-driven wines strictly from Walla Walla Valley.  And the Vineyard Collection are their single vineyard Bordeaux blends, three Cabernet Sauvignon dominant wines that represent the best of L’Ecole.
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L’Ecole had a virtual wine tasting with the LA Wine Writers in March, which happens to be Washington Wine Month.  I received 2 bottles, their flagship Semillon and Merlot wines.  These bottlings are classic, a mainstay from the beginning, and what a great introduction for me to the world of Washington wines.
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Semillon is a thin-skinned grape, susceptible to rot, and can be difficult to grow.  But L’Ecole has built almost a cult following for this wine, which is modeled after a dry Bordeaux.  Produced from five high-pedigreed vineyards in the Columbia Valley, over 4,000 cases are bottled annually.  What is described as “sunshine in a bottle”  the 2019 L’Ecole Semillon Columbia Valley (SRP $17) is 88% Semillon, 12% Sauvignon Blanc.  Rich and complex, this Semillon is highly aromatic, intensely flavorful, and mouthwatering in its acidity.  Aromas of citrus blossom, orange peel, honeysuckle, melon and lanolin linger above the palate of lemongrass, lime, and a dried apricot essence.  It has a weighty mouthfeel, and finishes vivid and succulent.  It’s vinified in neutral oak, but when allowed to age, it can develop a nutty character.  Constance Savage, the General Manager, says the wine brings people lots of happiness, as an aperitif or good pair with roast chicken, scallops, or pasta with cream sauce.  It’s body and clean finish are addictive, making it a perfect summer wine.
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Merlot is a beautiful grape, when it comes from great sites.  The 2018 L’Ecole Merlot Estate Walla Walla Valley (SRP $37) is a 50/50 blend of Seven Hills and Ferguson Vineyards, which are recognized as some of the top vineyards in the world by Decanter magazine.  A blend of 84% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc, and 4% Cabernet Sauvignon, the wine is pretty, with explosive aromatics of dark cherry and blackberry, roasted figs, tobacco, cedar and herbs with a floral rose petal note.  Ripe and rich, a silky texture with chalky tannins, the fruit flavors are accented with a graphite note, and hints of plum and bitter chocolate.  The most astonishing thing about this wine, you can really taste the character of the vineyards.  While the aromatics come from Seven Hills, there is a savory iron-rich element, not unlike blood, that comes through from the Ferguson vineyard.  This mineral structure is a result of the high elevation site, on volcanic soils, and the intensity of the fruit courtesy of the windy conditions on the ridge.  Decanter magazine has dubbed this Merlot as the best in the world, and I can totally understand that designation, as it is rare to make Merlot the star, it’s usually found as a supporting role in a blend.  Truly impressive to drink, L’Ecole Merlot will accompany a wide range of food, or maybe just a glass to savor.
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Courtesy of L'Ecole No. 41
If the hallmark of Washington State wines is their luminosity and freshness, L’Ecole has fulfilled their mission.  With their vineyard partners, they produce over two dozen wines, from Chardonnay, Semillon, Chenin Blanc and Grenache Rosé to Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Bordeaux Blend reds.  Taste the uniqueness of Pacific Northwest wines through the lens of L’Ecole, who has the world taking notice.