2020 L'Ecole No. 41 - Merlot Columbia Valley HALF BOTTLE (375ml)

L'Ecole No. 41 was founded in 1983 by Jean and Baker Ferguson as a retirement project, becoming the third winery established in the Walla Walla Valley. The winery still operates out of the historic Frenchtown School, a schoolhouse built in 1915 that lends both its name and its label imagery to the brand. Baker and Jean's daughter Megan took over in 1989 alongside her husband Marty Clubb, growing the winery from a mom and pop operation into one of Washington's most respected, family owned estates while keeping true to its founding belief that Washington wine could rival the Old World.

This Merlot is a blend built primarily from six Washington vineyards, rounded out with small amounts of Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot. Grapes were sourced from across the broad Columbia Valley appellation, which sits in the rain shadow of the Cascade Mountains and benefits from a dry, sunny, and warm growing climate. The 2020 vintage was aged to develop the wine's structure and old world character, resulting in a full bodied Merlot built for both near term drinking and short to medium term cellaring.

Deep in color, the wine offers aromas of plum and black cherry, layered with tobacco leaf, crushed roses, and cedar. On the palate, macerated berries, coffee, and kirsch flavors unfold, finishing with balance and satisfying length. It pairs nicely with grilled steak, roast duck, or aged cheddar.