L Ecole 41 Frenchtown Red Wine 2022

Region: Columbia Valley, Washington

Grape Varieties: 40% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Syrah, 8% Grenache, 6% Cabernet Franc, 3% Mourvèdre, 4% Petit Verdot and 1% Malbec

When Jean and Baker Ferguson founded this Walla Walla, Washington winery in 1983 they were one of the first in the area. They purchased the old K-12 schoolhouse in the region to be their winery and named the property L’Ecole 41 after the building. They are located in an area known locally as Frenchtown due to the influx of the French in the 1830s to the region. This wine pays homage to the history of the area as a great entry point for the stunning wines from L’Ecole 41.

The 2022 Frenchtown is a kitchen sink blend from the estate vineyards of L’Ecole, a mix of 40% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Syrah, 8% Grenache, 6% Cabernet Franc, 3% Mourvèdre, 4% Petit Verdot and 1% Malbec. Although the notes don’t say this it is the bits and pieces left after the winery is done making their estate wines but always based on Merlot, which they feel is their best variety. We love this wine because it is not as brooding as many from Washington, with notes of fresh cherries and red plums, cinnamon and black pepper. It stills shows the great texture of Columbia Valley on the palate, with a rich core of fruit framed by a light dusting of tannins. Drink over the next three years with hamburgers, pasta with Italian sausage or chili.