L'Ecole No. 41
Columbia Valley Merlot
Columbia Valley, Oregon/Washington, USA
Here is my Thursday’s Merlot for this week...
Dark ruby in color with a short purple rim.
Fruity nose of blackberries, currants, cherries, oak, vanilla, licorice, cloves, herbs, spices, dark chocolates, coffee, peppercorn, earth, vegetables, graphite and alcohol.
Full bodied with medium plus acidity and long legs.
Dry on the palate with cherries, sweet raspberries, tobacco, spices, chocolates, bitter herbs, earth, vegetables, oak, licorice, eucalyptus, dark coffee, pencil lead and peppercorn.
Medium plus on the finish with round, green tannins and tangy cranberries.
This is a nice Merlot from Washington State. Not fully balanced yet, as it is still young. Showing nice complexity and mouthfeel with bitter tannins.
This was a great vintage, and 6 years in the bottle was not enough apperantly, and will be better in 2 to 5 years. Drank from a half bottle (375ml).
Needed 90 minutes of airtime to open up properly and show some tannins.
I paired it with a cheese plate, crackers and jams.
A blend of 80% Merlot, 17% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot. Aged in oak barrels for 18 months (30% new).
14.5% alcohol by volume.
88 points.
$25.
Here is my Thursday’s Merlot for this week...
Dark ruby in color with a short purple rim.
Fruity nose of blackberries, currants, cherries, oak, vanilla, licorice, cloves, herbs, spices, dark chocolates, coffee, peppercorn, earth, vegetables, graphite and alcohol.
Full bodied with medium plus acidity and long legs.
Dry on the palate with cherries, sweet raspberries, tobacco, spices, chocolates, bitter herbs, earth, vegetables, oak, licorice, eucalyptus, dark coffee, pencil lead and peppercorn.
Medium plus on the finish with round, green tannins and tangy cranberries.
This is a nice Merlot from Washington State. Not fully balanced yet, as it is still young. Showing nice complexity and mouthfeel with bitter tannins.
This was a great vintage, and 6 years in the bottle was not enough apperantly, and will be better in 2 to 5 years. Drank from a half bottle (375ml).
Needed 90 minutes of airtime to open up properly and show some tannins.
I paired it with a cheese plate, crackers and jams.
A blend of 80% Merlot, 17% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot. Aged in oak barrels for 18 months (30% new).
14.5% alcohol by volume.
88 points.
$25.
Owner Bon! Gourmet
Good acidity light cocoa notes medium body
Good acidity light cocoa notes medium body
May 17th, 2016
Lots of great fruit but more oak than I would care for, a touch too biting. Some acidity present, more jammy than I was hoping
Lots of great fruit but more oak than I would care for, a touch too biting. Some acidity present, more jammy than I was hoping
Nov 4th, 2018
Mild in flavor compared to other Washington Winery's
Mild in flavor compared to other Washington Winery's
May 20th, 2016
Very drinkable, good depth. Good for sipping alone or with a meal
Very drinkable, good depth. Good for sipping alone or with a meal
May 6th, 2016
Aromatics black cherries and plum, subtle tannins and a nice acidity. Nice!
Aromatics black cherries and plum, subtle tannins and a nice acidity. Nice!
May 5th, 2016
Had this for my club's merlot tasting and it was awesome. Smooth, subtle, flavorful fruit and wonderful spices.
Had this for my club's merlot tasting and it was awesome. Smooth, subtle, flavorful fruit and wonderful spices.
Apr 6th, 2016