L'Ecole No. 41, Walla Walla Valley, WA

438 Union Place,Excelsior MN 55331

18 May, 2023

Description

L'Ecole No. 41, Walla Walla Valley, WA
Seated & guided tasting by Matt Rice, National Sales Mgr.Thursday, May 18, 6-7:30 pm 
Featuring six wines & light bites
 Tickets: $20, non members | $10, wine club members L’Ecole N° 41 is a third-generation family-owned, artisan winery located in the historic Frenchtown School depicted on our label. Founded in 1983, we were the third winery established in the Walla Walla Valley. Our focus is to produce ultra-premium, distinctive wines that reflect the unmistakable typicity of Washington State and the unique terroir of our Walla Walla Valley vineyards. We are engaged in growing and making 100% of our wine. Each bottle is handcrafted with a commitment to quality in the vineyards and the winery. L’Ecole is one of the most honored wineries in Washington State and has garnered national and international accolades over the years for producing superior quality wines.  We are proud to be recognized by Wine & Spirits Magazine as a Top 100 Winery of the Year sixteen times.
 About Matt Rice Matt joined the team in September 2019. Centrally located in Kansas City, Missouri, to readily service the broad expanse of L’Ecole’s Midwest markets and beyond, he brings a deep understanding of the Pacific Northwest wine industry to his role as National Sales Manager.  Previously Matt served as National Sales Manager for Owen Roe Winery for 12 years, managing 44 markets nationally and internationally.  There he gained hands-on knowledge of all facets of the wine industry, including harvest work, wine production and overseeing all sales channels. An avid reader and record collector, Matt also loves spending time with his wife and cooking to share meals and wine with family and friends. He is a graduate of The University of Kansas. L'Ecole No. 41 Old Vines Chenin Blanc, 2021
 
The three vineyards used here date back to 1979 and are among the last surviving Chenin plantings in Washington. This is young and fresh and sharply defined, with citrus flesh and oil and herbal accents. Hints of tropical aromas intermingle with pear. Bright aromas meet a tight, crisp, dry wine that feels dense and balanced. The odds are it will evolve beautifully, as Chenins do in the Loire, over the next decade or longer. L'Ecole No. 41 Columbia Valley Semillon, 2021
 
Refreshing and richly textured, this expressive Semillon shows vibrant kiwi, crisp green apple, melon, and fragrant honeysuckle set against a spicy, lemon zest character. On the palate, it is supple and energetic, replete with flavors of fresh fig and stone fruit, persisting to a balanced, succulent finish. L'Ecole No. 41 Columbia Valley Chardonnay, 2021 
Our Heritage Chardonnay presents inviting aromas of ripe pear, lemon, and green apple. Pleasant and bright in the mouth, it features a classic expression of light toast and lemon oil. Contrasting flavors of white pepper and nuances of nutmeg add interest and carry the wine through to a flavorful finish. L'Ecole No. 41 Frenchtown Red, 2021
 
An excellent Frenchtown vintage showing a bright, fresh fruit-forward profile of boysenberry, blueberry, blackberry, and plum accented by violets and mint. This easy-drinking wine has vivid fruit and spice flavors framed by a medium-bodied structure, leading to a balanced and lengthy finish. L'Ecole No. 41 Columbia Valley Merlot, 2019 

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, bursting with flavors of macerated berries, coffee, and kirsch. Charming and inviting, it finishes with balance and a satisfying longevity. L’Ecole No. 41 Pepper Bridge Vineyard Apogee, 2019 
Our Apogee single-vineyard Bordeaux blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc. It presents intense aromas of currants, chocolate, balsamic, cola, and dark red floral. Robust and powerful, flavors of mocha, spice, and thyme feature prominently on the palate. The finish is adorned with baking spice and wild berries, carried by fine-grained tannins.