Ranked in Wine Enthusiast magazine's BEST BUYS TOP 100.
L'Ecole No 41 has been producing this refreshing, aromatic Vouvray-style Chenin Blanc since 1987.
With distinctive aromas of white flowers, Meyer lemon, green apple and wet stone, this dry Chenin is bright and lively.
On the palate, flavors of Anjou pear, magnolia, lime and citrus custard come to the fore, offset by a notable salty note.
The wine is smart, interesting, flavourful and lively, filling the mouth and carrying through to the finish.
A cooler than average growing season resulted in a later than normal harvest, resulting in above average yields and wines of outstanding quality with naturally high acidity, low sugar levels, great balance and beautiful fruit expression.
- As a result of the warm winter, the early varieties sprouted from late March to early April.
Bud budding for the late-maturing varieties was delayed due to April being so cold and snowy that we had to keep the fans running, and the following May was also cool and rainy.
The weather was favourable during flowering, which occurred two weeks later than usual, resulting in excellent fruit set.
July and August were hot and the spring humidity encouraged significant canopy growth.
Mold was prevalent and problems arose in isolated fields.
The extreme heat caused the canopy to close, inhibiting excessive fruit growth.
Véraison was two weeks later than average, with warm autumn and cool nights providing perfect late-autumn ripening conditions, with the majority of the harvest taking place in October.
- The long hang time provided ideal fruit balance and flavors that developed before the sugar, raising expectations for a great 2022 vintage wine.
Despite the problems we encountered during the growing season, the dice were all in our favor.
Forty years of meticulous vineyard management and winemaking experience are the foundation of the quality and reputation of our wines.
We are 100% involved in growing and producing wine.
The grapes were harvested in the cool of the morning and quickly transported to the winery where they were gently pressed in the absence of oxygen.
The juice was allowed to settle and then transferred to cold fermentation in stainless steel tanks.
Partial malolactic fermentation (30%) is carried out to soften the wine's texture.
It was cold stabilized and filtered before bottling.
L'Ecole No. 41 means school at number 41 in French.
The label depicts a school of historical value from that time, and the name comes from the fact that the area was Frenchtown, where many French Canadians lived.
This school has been the winery since it was founded.
L'Ecole No. 41 is the third oldest winery in Walla Walla and is one of the most highly regarded and well-known handcrafted wineries in Washington State.
The winery has received numerous awards around the world, including being named one of Wine Enthusiast magazine's top 100 wineries in the world 15 times, and in 2014 Estate Ferguson won the World Bordeaux Blend Award.
Recently, owner Marty Crabb was named one of the Most Influential People in the Wine Industry for 2021/22.
The award recognizes Marty's leadership, innovation, inspiration and positive impact on American wine culture.
While L'Ecole has built long-standing, friendly relationships with the great historic vineyards of Washington State, it is also renowned for continually investing in Seven Hills Vineyard, the oldest in Walla Walla, and for continuing to improve the quality of its wines to international standards.
Owner Marty Crabb has been named one of the most influential people in the wine industry.