Boise Coop Wine Shop

L’Ecole No. 41

• January 5, 2012

L’Ecole N° 41 is a second generation, family-owned artisan winery located in the historic Frenchtown School depicted on their label. Founded in 1983, they are the third oldest winery in the Walla Walla Valley.  L’Ecole Nº 41 is known for producing reliable, superior quality wines that are terroir-driven, distinctive and expressive; wines that are crafted for richness and complexity, vintage after vintage.

“…what has been proven beyond a doubt is that anyone who values tradition, continuity, and a track record of excellence, will eventually find their way to L’Ecole’s wines. A lot of wineries succeed at making a few barrels of something good in their first or second vintage. The real challenge is to make consistently fine wine, over many years and vintages, across a wide number of varietals and blends.” -Paul Gregutt,  Wine Enthusiast Magazine

Today they are at the forefront of sustainable farming in the Walla Walla Valley, notably with their Estate Seven Hills Vineyard, but all of the Walla Walla Valley wines are made from grapes sourced from vineyards which are certified sustainable and Salmon Safe. Here’s a rundown of just a few of the wines from their outstanding portfolio:

2010 Chenin Blanc, $11.99
This fresh, tart and delightfully fruity Chenin Blanc shows Asian pear, perfumed honeysuckle and orange blossom aromas with flavors of apple, apricot, and grapefruit on a crisp mineral, lightly sweet finish.

2010 Chardonnay, $17.99
Some of the best Chardonnays in Washington State are grown in the slightly cooler growing conditions of Yakima Valley and in the northern latitudes of the Columbia Valley. The Schmitt Vineyard (Yakima Valley) provides nice tropical fruit, while Evergreen (latitude 47 on the Columbia River) contributes crisp acidity and minerality.

2008 Merlot, $23.50
Rich with pretty aromatic aromas of nutmeg, clove and spice, this dark and brooding Merlot shows black cherry, blackberry, and earthy dark fruit flavors encased in a peppery, cocoa, toasty finish.

2008 Syrah, $22.00
This luscious and exquisitely balanced Syrah shows aromas of ripe blackberry, alluring spice and earth. With dense mineral and oxblood tones, this rich and expressive wine shows opulent black cherry and black plum with peppercorn and olive tapenade on a finely textured and lengthy finish.

2008 Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla, $32.00
With an elegant, old world structure, this sophisticated Cabernet shows aromas of dark fruit, earth, and fresh herbs. A seamless core of blackberry, plum, and dark cherry mingle with notes of earth and leather on a smooth, lushly structured finish.