2018 L’Ecole No 41 Walla Walla Valley Cabernet sauvignon
Walla Walla Valley,
Columbia Valley,
Washington
14.5% alcohol
Empty bottle weight: 16.6 ounces // 471 grams
Cork closure
1990 cases produced
The Cabernet sauvignon grapes in this wine were all grown in the Walla Walla Valley, some from the Washington side of the state line but the majority coming from Oregon. The 2018 growing season started off slowly and bud break was later than usual. But after warmer weather in late spring and over the summer months, the grapes had caught up and yields were higher than originally predicted. This led to cluster-thinning to ensure the grapevines could ripen the remaining fruit in time.
September ushered in cooler temperatures so higher levels of natural acidity developed in the grapes as harvest neared. Depending on the vineyard site, the grapes were picked between the third week in September and mid-October, allowing the grapes additional hang time in those cool days and nights. While the hotter summer weather raised alcohol levels, they are nicely balanced by higher acidity from that extended time on the vine.
Color:
Purple
Bouquet:
Mulberries // violets // menthol // black cherries // slivered almonds // cranberries
Palate:
Red plums // cranberries // chewy mouthfeel // black raspberries // vanilla // red raspberries // rounded tannins // red & black cherries
Food pairing suggestions:
Stuffed flank steak with spinach, sundried tomatoes & feta // polenta lasagna with roasted red pepper sauce // oven barbecue ribs
Scoop up this wine deal by ordering here:
SRP $39
Be sure to tell us how you like it in the comments!
Read more about L’Ecole No 41 and their wines:
Why Wine? interview with winemaker Marcus Rafanelli
2019 L’Ecole No 41 Frenchtown red wine
2020 L’Ecole No 41 Chenin blanc
2019 L’Ecole No 41 Chenin blanc
2019 L’Ecole No 41 Columbia Valley Stillwater Creek Vineyard Semillon