L’Ecole No. 41 2012 Seven Hills Vineyard Estate Luminesce, Walla Walla Valley, $19
This historic schoolhouse in the Walla Walla Valley town of Lowden, Wash., continues to teach the Pacific Northwest about working with Semillon and white Bordeaux blends, and winemaker Mike Sharon took advantage of a phenomenal vintage with their proprietary blend of Semillon (61%) and Sauvignon Blanc. A judicious use of French oak makes for aromas of lemon zest, dusty pear, apricot, sweet herbs, a hint of lightly buttered toast. Inside is a rich entry of baked apple, butterscotch and vanilla with pleasing creaminess and delicious late-arriving acidity. Enjoy with calamari, crab, oysters and shrimp salad. Rating: Outstanding! Production: 1,260 cases Alcohol: 14.5% Website
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