2017 L’Ecole No 41 Estate Merlot
Walla Walla Valley,
Columbia Valley,
Washington
14.5% alcohol
Cork closure
1080 cases produced
79% Merlot, 17% Cabernet franc, 4% Cabernet sauvignon
Bouquet:
I really loved the aromas in this Merlot! Tons of blue and black fruits, including black cherries, blackberries, black plums, and blueberries. These fruity notes were nicely balanced with baking spices, sarsaparilla, and mocha. It really did smell like a freshly baked berry tart hot out of the oven.
Palate:
As I sipped, I tasted the blackberries, black plums, and blueberries from the aroma, plus ripe figs. With an almost gritty texture and tannins that made the taste buds on my tongue stand at attention, I also tasted dried herbs, eucalyptus, and pink peppercorns. This Merlot was full and chewy with a subtly spicy finish of roasted poblano chilies sprinkled with a dash of cayenne pepper.
Food pairing suggestions:
Pork chops with applesauce, lentil soup with quinoa and mushrooms, beef tenderloin with roasted vegetables.
SRP $36
To buy L’Ecole No 41 wine or learn more about the winery, be sure to visit their website and follow them on social media:
Don’t miss our other L’Ecole No 41 articles:
Why Wine? interview with winemaker Marcus Rafanelli