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.
Tag Archives: Marty Clubb
Perigee
Tasting wines through different vintages is always a learning experience. There are many nuances. For example, the age of the wine, the composition of grapes in each vintage, the vineyard location, its soil, and the weather all play a role. Over the years, we tasted numerous vintages of L’Ecole No. 41 Perigee from Seven Hills Vineyard. Most recently, the winery sent us both the 2015 and 2018 Perigee. Read on to learn more about this luscious wine, which we really appreciate.
L’Ecole Wine Production
During our recent visit to Walla Walla, Winemaker Marcus Rafanelli gave us a behind-the-scenes look at L’Ecole wine production. Over the years, we have enjoyed facility tours at wineries around the world. But this is a different class altogether for small-batch winemaking. The technology at L’Ecole 41 is showcased in state-of-the-art equipment. It was so cool to see how automated data creates such quality wine. Marcus also poured his excellent 2020 Alder Ridge Vineyard Grenache Rosé. And we barrel-tasted five of his new wines created with this new technology. Read on for details about L’Ecole wine production, and Marcus’ wines.
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L’Ecole 41
We have been fans of L’Ecole 41 since we moved to Washington state in 1999. Consequently, L’Ecole 41 makes our Top 50 Wineries List year after year. Certainly, the winery continues to produce stellar wines every vintage. So please read on for more information about the third-oldest winery in Walla Walla, founded in 1983 in an historic schoolhouse. In addition, you’ll find out about L’Ecole’s wine flights now available to enjoy at home with virtual guided tastings.