L’Ecole 41 released a number of remarkable new white and red wines in the last few months, including two of our perennial favorites, 2022 Apogee and Perigee. Other impressive 2022 reds released recently: two Cabernet Sauvignons and Ferguson Estate. In addition, two whites enhanced the warm days, as well as the crab season here: Luminesce 2024 and Chardonnay 2024 Stillwater Creek. Meanwhile, L’Ecole will release Chardonnay 2024 Columbia Valley in January. Each of these eight wines, crafted by talented winemaker Marcus Rafanelli, is outstanding. And they continue the trend of captivating wines from the historic schoolhouse in Walla Walla.

L’Ecole Perennial Favorites: Luminesce 2024, Estate Seven Hills Vineyard ($28)

You can always count on L’Ecole’s white Bordeaux blend Luminesce to be a standout with Sémillon (60%) and Sauvignon Blanc (40%) from Estate Seven Hills Vineyard. This  2024 vintage extends the tradition of crisp yet textured creamy richness. This succulent, compelling white blend is very popular, and we understand why. It’s substantial enough to drink without food. But wow, it paired so well with halibut and salt-and-pepper chicken wings when we opened it recently.

Chardonnay 2024, Stillwater Creek Vineyard, Royal Slope ($36)

L’Ecole 100% Chardonnay 2024 Stillwater Creek Vineyard is crisp, fresh and fruity, with graphite, minerality and salinity. Marcus blended select Dijon clones from this site on the Royal Slope into a refreshing glass that we enjoyed during the dwindling days of summer. This lovely Chardonnay is also substantial and complex, so it drinks well without food. Or you can serve it with halibut, scallops, shrimp, and chicken.

Chardonnay 2024, Columbia Valley ($24)

We had a sneak taste of L’Ecole 100% Chardonnay 2024 Columbia Valley, which will be released in January. This Chard offers a price point that is a real deal for such a serious wine. So be on the lookout for it in the new year. Sourced from four vineyards, this Chard offers pretty aromatics, bright fruit flavors, complex minerality, and balanced acidity. Another perennial favorite, we love to open this white wine to share with friends. Add seafood dishes or chicken, and you have a dinner party!

L’Ecole Perennial Favorites: Cabernet Sauvignon 2022, Walla Walla Valley ($45)

This is a fabulous 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from several prestigious vineyards in the Walla Walla Valley. For example, unique soil types are represented by fractured basalt (Ferguson Estate), ice-age flood silts (Pepper Bridge), wind-blown loess (Estate Seven Hills and Summit View), and the Rocks District (Yellow Jacket). We sipped tank samples last year at the historic schoolhouse. And we knew then this sophisticated Cab would be special. This beauty has a long future.

Cabernet Sauvignon 2022, Cellar Selection, Estate Ferguson Vineyard ($90)

What a showstopper. This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 Cellar Selection sings with harmonious, head-turning flavors, and as Marcus described it, “fruit waiting to spring out of your glasses.” Crafted only in exceptional vintages, this age-worthy this Cab is a bewitching wine that captures the elegance of Ferguson Estate. Sure, you could open it now and enjoy it after decanting. But your patience will be rewarded if you wait a few years for this stunning special-occasion red to evolve further.

Apogee 2022, Pepper Bridge Vineyard, Walla Walla Valley ($60)

Apogee 2022 features a richness and concentration of fruit that immediately grabbed our attention. L’Ecole has been producing Apogee Pepper Bridge Vineyard since 1993. The 2022 vintage blends 60% Cabernet Sauvignon with 26% Merlot, 10% Malbec, and 4% Cabernet Franc. Dave’s perennial favorite is indeed Apogee, while Margot’s is Perigee. Both excel in the 2022 vintage.

Perigee 2022, Estate Seven Hills Vineyard, Walla Walla Valley ($60)

The killer Perigee 2022 epitomizes Seven Hill’s distinctive cedar and dark fruit aromas and flavors, framed by a structured elegance. Marcus blended 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Franc, 8% Malbec, and 8% Petit Verdot. What a luscious red wine. We have been big fans of Perigee since our first taste of the 2002 vintage – the initial vintage of this gorgeous wine made by Marty Clubb, co-owner and managing winemaker.

L’Ecole Perennial Favorites: Ferguson 2022, Estate Ferguson Vineyard ($80)

Ferguson 2022 is a mesmerizing blend of 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 14% Cab Franc, 6% Malbec, and 5% Petit Verdot. Last summer, Marcus poured us a tank sample, and it was already oozing with potential. We immediately knew it would be as stunning as previous vintages. This beautiful blend displays crushed-stone minerality, power, and earthiness, influenced by the volcanic basalt soil from its namesake Ferguson Estate Vineyard. You could drink it now with decanting, but this wine is built to last.

Summary: L’Ecole Perennial Favorites

In conclusion, you can’t go wrong with any of these L’Ecole 41 releases. L’Ecole is one of the most honored wineries in the state, generating international accolades over the years for producing superior quality wines.

Of note, some of these wines are samples, while we purchased others.

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Cheers!
Margot and Dave