L'Ecole No. 41

Ferguson Vineyard Estate Grown Cabernet Sauvignon Blend

9.280 ratings
9.326 pro ratings
Walla Walla Valley, Oregon/Washington, USA
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec
Onion, Shallot, Garlic, Pasta, Venison, Tomato-Based, Potato, Pork, Chocolate & Caramel, White Rice, Mushrooms, Beef, Lamb, Chili & Hot Spicy, Pungent Cheese, Salami & Prosciutto, Hard Cheese, Exotic Spices, Baking Spices, Herbs, Chicken, Turkey, Soft Cheese, Beans & Peas, Duck, Blue Cheese
Top Notes For
Bob McDonald

Dark Ruby in colour - impenetrable. Blackberry, black fruits generally, raspberry, dusty, touches of tar and menthol. Very rich and ripe on the palate. Very USA in my experience but also very delicious. It never ceases to amaze how Washington state can produce rich ripe wines like this- just like Quilceda Creek. Luscious and seamless. The Walla Walla valley is obviously a great terroir for Cabernet.

Dark Ruby in colour - impenetrable. Blackberry, black fruits generally, raspberry, dusty, touches of tar and menthol. Very rich and ripe on the palate. Very USA in my experience but also very delicious. It never ceases to amaze how Washington state can produce rich ripe wines like this- just like Quilceda Creek. Luscious and seamless. The Walla Walla valley is obviously a great terroir for Cabernet.

May 21st, 2022
David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.2

Lots of new oak use here. Dry sticky M+ tannins. Ripe blackberries, dark cherries, strawberries , blueberries , tough leather, cigar, dry red florals, crushed rocks, dry stone, a touch of saline from the Basalt this is farmed as shown in the photo. Coffee grounds, dry loamy soils, touch of olive, dry herbs. Leaner finish with good acidity. There's a potential for 9.4 with more with time in the bottle. Additional photo is the old classroom.

Lots of new oak use here. Dry sticky M+ tannins. Ripe blackberries, dark cherries, strawberries , blueberries , tough leather, cigar, dry red florals, crushed rocks, dry stone, a touch of saline from the Basalt this is farmed as shown in the photo. Coffee grounds, dry loamy soils, touch of olive, dry herbs. Leaner finish with good acidity. There's a potential for 9.4 with more with time in the bottle. Additional photo is the old classroom.

Aug 14th, 2017
boyd

Really good juice here.

Really good juice here.

Jul 6th, 2016
Amber Fries

Communications Director for Duck Pond Cellars & Desert Wind Winery

7.9

Underwhelming. Too much oak and felt disjointed. Surprising as I had high expectations and typically love L'Ecole reds.

Underwhelming. Too much oak and felt disjointed. Surprising as I had high expectations and typically love L'Ecole reds.

Apr 23rd, 2016
Donald Patz

Owner/Winemaker Patz & Hall

9.5

It's worth hunting down. This was delicious. Complex aromas of berries and earth - long flowing textures.

It's worth hunting down. This was delicious. Complex aromas of berries and earth - long flowing textures.

Mar 28th, 2016
Antoine Pin

Wine Buyer Kroger/QFC

8.7

Seattle Wine Awaed Double Gold Winner

Seattle Wine Awaed Double Gold Winner

Sep 20th, 2015
Christine Collier

I'm a lover of cool vintages and this bottling.

I'm a lover of cool vintages and this bottling.

Apr 10th, 2015
Becca O'Connor

Mike gave us this 3L. Drank it at wedding

Mike gave us this 3L. Drank it at wedding

Feb 7th, 2015
Charles Antin

Senior Wine Specialist/Auctioneer Zachys

8.8

I'm told decanter named this the best Bordeaux blend in the world?

I'm told decanter named this the best Bordeaux blend in the world?

Aug 17th, 2014
Andrew Lampasone

Owner Wine Watch Selections

10

This is the first Washington state wine to win the decanter award for best Bordeaux in the world!! A good amount of earth and fine herbs .

This is the first Washington state wine to win the decanter award for best Bordeaux in the world!! A good amount of earth and fine herbs .

Aug 17th, 2014