L’Ecole No. 41 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, $31
Here’s yet another vintage of one of the Northwest’s most remarkable and widely available Cabs, and the winning equation begins with the all-star lineup of vineyards sourced by Mike Sharon — Alder Ridge, Bacchus & Dionysus, Candy Mountain, Cold Creek, Klipsun, StoneTree, Weinbau and the estate Ferguson Vineyard in the southern end of the Walla Walla Valley. Aromas gather up hints of red plum, Smith Brothers Wild Cherry Cough Drops, dark chocolate, allspice and pencil shavings. Inside, there’s a big entry of black cherry, bittersweet chocolate, more plum and black pepper as its structure builds with acidity outweighing tannin.
Rating: Outstanding!
Production: 4,000 cases
Alcohol: 14.5%
Bill Richey says
Andy: Love your work on WA wines. On your recent newsletter, you looked at top cabs from OR Vinyards. I’ve got to throw Tero Estates in there for his cabs. Doug makes amazing cabs (3 different cabs from specific blocks of his estate Vinyards) and they are some of the best I’ve ever tasted. In case you haven’t met Doug (owner/winemaker) he is a fabulous winemaker, and a great guy!
Bill Richey
Andy Perdue says
Hi, Bill.
Thank you for the note and kind words. I have visited Tero tasting room at the Marcus Whitman, but I don’t think we’ve tasted its wines. I appreciate the heads up and will seek them out.