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L’Ecole Nº 41 Winery 2017 Ferguson Vineyard Estate Red Wine, Walla Walla Valley, $64

Marty Clubb and his winemaking team continue to take a Left Bank-Bordeaux approach to this blend from the Clubb family’s SeVein planting that has brought additional international acclaim to L’Ecole. There’s a bit more Cabernet Sauvignon (60%) and a touch less Merlot (28%) with supporting contributions of Cabernet Franc (7%) and Malbec (5%). Of the 50+ barrels of French oak involved for 22 months, half of those are new – another reflection of the investment. Perhaps a telltale indicator of the fascinating fractured basalt that Ferguson is planted in is the hint of iron shavings in the nose behind the inky black fruit, cola and marshmallow. The entry is delicious and shows nice extraction as blueberry skin tannins allow for enjoyment of the blackcurrant and black cherry flavors. Penetrating pomegranate acidity means there’s a long life added. Despite the youth of this vineyard, critics already have placed Ferguson among the Pacific Northwest’s most age-worthy and acclaimed red wines.
Rating: Outstanding!
Production: 1,330 cases
Alcohol: 14.5%
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