L’Ecole 41 recently released three 2023 summer whites, all of which we recommend as refreshing warm-weather sippers: Chenin Blanc Old Vines, Luminesce Estate Seven Hills Vineyard and Chardonnay Columbia Valley. Meanwhile, 2023 Sémillon Columbia Valley will be available in a few months. However, we were lucky to have a sneak peek. Each wine pairs with sunshine or with seafood all year round. These are perfect wines to take on a picnic, lakeside, or wherever you head this summer or fall. So fill your picnic basket with charcuterie, aged white cheddar, deviled eggs and a baguette, grab a bottle or two of L’Ecole summer whites, and let’s go!
L’Ecole Summer Whites
If you’re looking for value wines to pair with warm weather, look no further than these wines from L’Ecole 41. And we mean value — these bottles of liquid sunshine range in price from $18-25. Each year, excellent winemaker Marcus Rafanelli brings passion and talent to all the wines he crafts, and these continue that tradition.
2023 Chenin Blanc Old VInes Yakima Valley ($19)
L’Ecole No 41 has produced this old vines, crisp and aromatic Vouvray-style Chenin Blanc since 1987 — just four years after the winery opened its doors in 1983. And we love it, vintage after vintage. The 2023 Chenin is balanced with natural high acidity, low sugars and a rich expression of fruit. Opulent flavors of stone fruits, tropical fruits, walnuts and honey provide a beautiful mouthfeel, along with a touch of salinity.
2023 Luminesce Estate Seven Hills Vineyard, Walla Walla Valley ($25)
You can always count on Luminesce to be a standout blend of Sémillon (60%)-Sauvignon Blanc (40%) from Estate Seven Hills Vineyard. Sauvignon Blanc’s floral, mineral notes accent Sémillon’s creamy, textured richness. Aromas of stone fruits, melon and citrus echo the palate. This succulent, compelling Bordeaux-style white blend, hugged by crisp minerality, is very popular at the winery. Certainly, you can drink this incredible wine now, or in a few years, with food or alone.
L’Ecole Summer Whites: 2023 Chardonnay Columbia Valley ($23)
L’Ecole’s Columbia Valley Chardonnay offers pretty aromatics, bright fruit flavors, complex minerality and balanced acidity. We found aromas of citrus, pears, apricots, spices and freshly baked croissants that mirror the palate. This chardonnay will be perfect during this month’s crab and halibut seasons. However, it will also pair with scallops, shrimp, and chicken. Or sip it without food and relax with friends. And what a deal at $23 for such a serious wine.
2023 Sémillon Columbia Valley ($18)
This is one rich Sémillon (82%), combined with 18% Sauvignon Blanc for mouthwatering acidity and complexity. What a mouthfeel! Think melons, apples, pears, figs, stone fruit, pears and key lime. Delicious. You can’t go wrong with this awesome Sémillon. But keep your eyes out because it won’t be released for a couple of more months. Consequently, at only $18, we will head out to buy a case once it’s available.
Summary: L’Ecole Summer Whites
In conclusion, all four of these delightful, flavorful sippers are impressive and delicious. As a result, they complement seafood dishes all year, as well as standing alone without food during patio weather.
So raise a glass (or two) to the warm weather! And to seafood!
Meanwhile, find us here at Write for Wine and on Instagram and Facebook.
Cheers!
Margot and Dave