L'ECOLE NO. 41
Cabernet Sauvignon
2010
Country
United States
Regulated designation
American Viticultural Areas (AVA)
Region
Washington
Subregion
Columbia Valley
Varietal(s)
Cabernet Sauvignon
100 %
Alcohol percentage
14.5%
Colour
Red
Sugar
Dry
Aging vessel type
100% small oak barrels, 33% new, with five rackings
Length of aging
22 months
Total acidity
6.1 g/l
PH
3.76
Producer's website
About this winery
A family-owned business, L'Ecole Nº 41 was founded by Jean and Baker Ferguson. Today, the winery is owned and operated by their daughter and son-in-law, Megan and Martin Clubb. Built in 1915, the schoolhouse is located in historic Frenchtown, a small community just west of Walla Walla, Washington. Frenchtown derived its name from the many French-Canadians who settled the valley during the early 1800s. Legend has it, these men of French descent were raising grapes and producing wine. By the...
See the L'ECOLE NO. 41 detail page for more information on this brand
Product notes
A slow, cool spring in 2010 delayed bud break, but warm May weather set the stage for uniform bloom and fruit set. Summer heat units were normal minus the typical July heat spikes. Windier conditions increased vine stress resulting in added effort to manage canopy growth for balance. August veraison was smooth requiring very little green thinning. Near perfect fall conditions resulted in only a slightly later than normal harvest for most varietals. Considered a cool year, we saw higher acidity levels with yields slightly below average.
Production notes
Nearly 30 years of meticulous vineyard management and winemaking experience are fundamental to the quality of our wines and reputation for excellence. We are engaged in growing and making 100% of our wines.
Each lot was hand harvested ripe and gently crushed into 1.5 and 5 ton stainless steel fermenters. Gentle handling of the fruit through hand punch downs and gravity assisted movements were utilized throughout the entire winemaking process. The wine was cleanly racked to 100% small oak barrels, 33% new, with five rackings over 22 months.
With access to the oldest and most proven vineyards in Washington State and an average vine age of more than 20 years, this wine shows a classic Cabernet Sauvignon profile.
Tasting notes
With its classic varietal Cabernet profile, this focused and integrated wine shows layers of dark fruit, earth and leather. Flavors of plum, black cherry and bittersweet chocolate mingle with chalky tannins on a finish tinged with spice.
Press reviews
- 93 points -
Owen Bargreen , (Vintage 2018)A glorious 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, you are immediately struck by the rich sagebrush and anise tones on the nose, with a great wall of dark fruits holding everything in place. The palate is very smooth with refined tannins that mingle with black raspberry cordial, cigar box, blackcurrants and chocolate covered espresso bean flavours. The long finish lingers.
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- 92 points -
Sean Sullivan , (Vintage 2018)Barrel aromas are at the fore initially, with notes of roasted coffee bean, vanilla, chocolate and char in front of plum and cherry. Plump, juicy fruit and barrel flavors follow, with the tannins providing a pleasing squeeze. Give it additional time in the bottle or decant to see it at its best. Best after 2024.
- 91 points -
(Vintage 2019)The aromas bring notes of dark chocolate, plum, herb and cherry, along with a sprinkling of spices. The palate shows polish and intensity. There's structural heft behind it all, both acid and tannin. Decant if drinking in the near term.
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- 91 points -
(Vintage 2019)A handsome red, multilayered and expressive, showing lively blackberry, tobacco and crushed stone accents that finish with well-framed tannins. Drink now through 2030. 6,890 cases made.
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- 91 points -
Jeb Dunnuck, (Vintage 2020)All varietal and brought up in 25% new oak, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley offers lots of typicity in its ripe blackcurrants, smoked tobacco, chocolate, and violet-tinged aromas and flavors. With medium-bodied richness, wonderful purity of fruit, no hard edges, and a clean, classy, elegant style, it’s well worth seeking out and I suspect will keep for 10-12 years.
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- 88 points -
Sean P. Sullivan, (Vintage 2016)Bittersweet chocolate, spicy dried herb, barrel spice and cherry aromas lead to elegant, juicy, well-balanced fruit flavors that carry on the finish. Grippy tannins back it up. Pair it with food to see it at its best.
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