- New Alliance of Women in Washington Wine already stands at 200 strong
- Bullocks bid goodbye to Eye of the Needle Winery in Woodinville
- VineLines Dispatch #7: That’s a wrap
- Former Oregon car dealer gears up with Jachter Family Wines
- VineLines Dispatch: 6 Vineyards at Work
- L’Ecole Nº 41 to create wine bar at Marcus Whitman Hotel
- VineLines Dispatch: Harvest surrounding Lake Chelan
- Northwest restaurateurs purchase Basel Cellars in Walla Walla
- Hayden Homes CEO buys interest in Pepper Bridge, Amavi wineries
- Walla Walla Community College to receive $15 million gift from MacKenzie Scott
L’Ecole No 41 2012 Estate Merlot, Walla Walla Vally, $37
In the past, Marty Clubb’s Estate Merlot centered on vaunted Seven Hills Vineyard, but now his successful and fascinating Ferguson site contributes to this project – in this case 24 percent. Special treatment of the Merlot that winemaker Mike Sharon orchestrates includes 18 months in entirely small French oak barrels, with 40 percent of those new. That helps account for aromas of mocha and bold spices with black cherry, blackberry and a pinch of fresh herbs from the Cabernet Franc (10%). There’s a rich and juicy presentation to the palate that brings flavors of Bing cherry and blueberry, backed by moderate and balanced tannins. Its luscious midpalate leads to a pleasingly long finish of blackberry and toffee. It merited a silver medal at the 2015 Walla Walla Valley Wine Competition, a scholarship fundraiser for Walla Walla Community College’s wine program.
Rating: Excellent
Production: 1,060 cases
Alcohol: 14.5%
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