L’Ecole No 41 2011 Estate Merlot, Walla Walla Valley, $35
In previous vintages, Marty Clubb’s estate Merlot program focused on Seven Hills Vineyard, which he and wife, Megan, own collectively with the Figgins and the McKibben families. However, their young yet already acclaimed Ferguson Vineyard contributes 42% to this cellar-worthy Merlot. Dark toast, black cherry, black plums and currants with mocha tones swirl amid substantial tannins and pick up notes of minerality — a thumbprint of Ferguson — for delicious length. This earned a silver medal at the 2014 Walla Walla Valley Wine Competition.
Rating: Excellent
Production: 990 cases
Alcohol: 14.5%
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