2008 L'Ecole No 41 Cabernet Sauvignon Walla Walla Valley
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Tasting notes
Bright medium red. Redcurrant, cherry, minerals and a floral element on the nose and palate. Shows lovely sweetness on the front half, then turns a bit tight and medicinal toward the back, showing a note of bitter chocolate. This will need a couple more years in bottle to harmonize and express itself.
Critic scores
Average Score
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Jay S Miller, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
The dark ruby red 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley was sourced from vines averaging over 20 years and was aged for 22 month in 33% new French oak. It sports a nose of cedar, spice box, tobacco, violets, cassis, and blackberry. In the glass it opens to reveal some elegance, good depth, spicy flavors, and excellent volume. It has enough structure to evolve for 2-3 years and will be at its best from 2013 to 2023. L’Ecole No. 41, under the leadership of Marty Clubb, is one of Walla Walla’s pioneers, the third modern day winery in the Valley. Over the years the winery has prospered, outgrown the namesake schoolhouse, and has now outgrown the charming label which may have contributed to its fame. Be that as it may, L’Ecole now produces about 35,000 cases with distribution in all 50 states and abroad. Despite the expansion, quality has remained consistently excellent as has pricing. Tel. (509) 525-0940; www.lecole.com