While some have fled the Chenin Blanc market, owner/managing winemaker Marty Clubb and L’Ecole No. 41 remain dedicated to the Vouvray style of this variety that’s native to the Loire Valley since 1987. A couple of decades ago, Chenin in Washington often would be presented as off-dry, but Clubb and his winemaker, Mike Sharon, keep theirs floral, bright and succulent with sensations and textures of lemon curd and honeydew melon that are backed by Meyer lemon acidity. And the “old vines” are some of the state’s oldest — Phil Church, Rothrock and Upland, each planted in the late 1970s in the Yakima Valley. Enjoy with ceviche, Gruyère or Asian fare.
Rating: Outstanding!
Production: 3,900 cases
Alcohol: 13.5%
Leave a Reply