We always make our first stop in Walla Walla at L’Ecole 41‘s historic schoolhouse, to visit talented winemaker Marcus Rafanelli and taste impressive L’Ecole wine. We also always enjoy seeing Marcus, whose skill and love for WA wine shines. Last month, we tasted 12 of his wines; half were tank samples because his team was bottling that week. L’Ecole is one of the most honored wineries in WA, and has generated national and international accolades for producing superior quality wines.
Tag Archives: Marcus Rafanelli
L’Ecole 2023
L’Ecole 41 is a third-generation, family-owned artisan winery. Most importantly, it is one of the most honored wineries in Washington state, and has generated national and international accolades over the years for producing superior quality wines. We’ve been fans of L’Ecole since we moved to Washington in 1999. As a result, we frequently visit their historic schoolhouse in Walla Walla, and know their talented winemakers Marty Clubb and Marcus Rafanelli, and their amazing wines. So, we were delighted to sample six L’Ecole 2023 releases. Once again, L’Ecole scored. These are the impressive wines we tasted: 2020 Ferguson Estate, 40th Anniversary Red, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc-Merlot; 2021 Sémillon, and 2022 Grenache Rosé.
L’Ecole Luminesce
L’Ecole Luminesce, Estate Seven Hills Vineyard, is a beautiful, award-winning, Sémillon/Sauvignon Blanc blend that is always popular at the third-oldest winery in Walla Walla. And it’s a perfect wine to take on a picnic, lakeside or wherever you head this summer. So fill your picnic basket with charcuterie, aged white cheddar, deviled eggs and a baguette, grab a bottle of L’Ecole Luminesce 2020, and let’s go! But wait – first, here’s more information about this lovely Bordeaux-style white blend.