L'Ecole No. 41 Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2016

Drink now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant before serving.

L’Ecole winery is one of the top producers in Washington State and has been named a Top 100 Winery of the Year by Wine Enthusiast magazine 15 times. The estate was originally founded in 1983 by Jean and Baker Ferguson who decided to name their venture after the old schoolhouse built by French-Canadian settlers in 1815 which now houses the winery.

In recent years the couple have handed over the reins to daughter and son-in-law, Megan and Marty, to continue the family legacy of making terroir-driven wines from some of Washington’s finest vineyards. This Cabernet is a great example of their typical house style, crafted from selected vineyards belonging to partner growers in the Columbia Valley who have been working with the family for over 35 years.

All of the fruit is harvested by hand to ensure it reaches the winery in top condition before being gently vinified and aged in oak barrels for 22 months. The result is a classic Columbia Valley Cabernet with impressive layers of rich dark fruit overlaid with hints of spice, ground coffee, woodsmoke, and tobacco leaf. On the palate there’s a generous full body, smooth tannins, and a long finish with plenty of luscious wild berry notes. A great Cab to age for a few more years in the cellar or to enjoy now with hearty red meat dishes.