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L'Ecole No. 41 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley

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Item Number: 6429

UPC: 0721354970015

Country: USA
Region: Washington Sub Region: Columbia Valley
Appellation/AVA: Walla Walla Valley
Vintage: 2010
Grape(s): 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Type: Wine - Red
Bottle Size: 750ml Pack: 12
Closure: Cork
Alc by Vol(%): 14.5
Total Acidity: 6.2
pH: 3.71
Case Production: 1,760


Vineyard Sources: This Cabernet Sauvignon reflects the diversity of terroir in the Walla Walla Valley from vineyards planted in: wind-blown loess (Estate Seven Hills & Loess), ice age flood silts (Pepper Bridge & Va Piano), river rock (Yellow Jacket), and fractured basalt (Estate Ferguson Ridge). These prestigious vineyards are all Certified Sustainable and Certified Salmon Safe

Vintage Notes: A cool and wet spring set the stage for a later than normal bud break with a light set during bloom in June. In July lower than normal berry weight growth contributed to significantly lower yields. Veraison was delayed, right in line with the cool 1999 growing season, one of Washington’s star vintages. A prolonged and welcome Indian summer delivered higher than normal temperatures and sunshine during all of October. Higher natural acidity, longer hang-time and concentrated fruit from low yields resulted in brilliant color, flavor intensity and overall balance.

Winemaking Notes: Each lot was hand harvested ripe and gently crushed into 1.5 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 French oak barrels, 40% new, with five rackings over 22 months.

Tasting Notes: This wine is a blend of six prestigious vineyard sites representing four unique soil types in the Walla Walla Valley. Its old world structure, dense dark fruit flavors and elegant tannins exemplify the best of Walla Walla. With an elegant, old world structure, this sophisticated Cabernet shows pretty aromas of dark fruit, earth, and baking spices. A robust core of blackberry and plum with notes of current and sweet tobacco are framed with polished tannins on a rich, harmonious finish.

(88-90)pts (2011 vintage) Wine Advocate 6/2013
"Moving on to the reds, the 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Walla Walla Valley (100% Cabernet Sauvignon) has outstanding potential, with pretty, perfumed aromatics, medium body, good acidity and moderate depth and length. I wouldn't expect this to make old bones, but a solid 8-10 year drink window should be appropriate. Drink now-2021."

Reviews
L'Ecole No. 41 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley
Rating: 91(+?)

Bright, deep ruby-red. Cassis, licorice and enticing oak scents on the nose. Concentrated, rich and savory, with red and dark berry flavors complicated by smoky and saline nuances. Less easygoing and pliant today than the Columbia Valley cabernet, but there's good sweetness here as well, in spite of the wine's medicinal reserve. Finishes firmly tannic and long, with dark berry and violet notes. Good serious cabernet.

- International Wine Cellar (12/1/2013)

L'Ecole No. 41 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley
Rating: 92

L’Ecole’s Walla Walla Cabernet has a soft-focus silkiness, an almost gauzy character. Behind that film is a wine tasting of wild berries, Bing cherries and fresh herbs, with light streaks of coffee and moist earth. Give this one plenty of decanting and the scrim lifts away and reveals a firm, beautifully balanced and nuanced wine.

- The Wine Enthusiast (9/1/2013)

L'Ecole No. 41 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley
Rating: 90

Dense, richly textured and focused, layering the ripe cherry and spice flavors into a polished package that extends pleasantly onto the smooth finish. Best from 2014 through 2018.

- The Wine Spectator (7/10/2013)

L'Ecole No. 41 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley
Rating: 91

Showing more depth, richness and structure, the 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Walla Walla Valley is a medium to full-bodied, concentrated 100% Cabernet Sauvignon that comes from a number of vineyards in the Walla Walla Valley. Black cherry, black currant, tobacco, earth, asphalt and crushed stone-like aromas all emerge from the glass, and on the palate, it has a dense, chewy mouthfeel and ample tannin. In need of 2-3 years of bottle age, it will drink nicely for upwards of 10-15 years. Drink 2015-2025.

- The Wine Advocate (6/1/2013)