Hailing in almost equal parts from the Seven Hills and Ferguson Vineyards, the 2020 L’Ecole Estate Merlot was brought up in 35% new French Oak. Composed of 81% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine is deep purple in color and has a rich nose of black cherry. With fine but grippy tannins, and carrying some heat early on, it shows a wide array of flavors upon entry, Plum, date, and bittersweet cocoa are all in the forefront, while slight pinecone and cedar play a more subdued role. Sweet tar and licorice show nicely and continue to linger as it settles and transitions mid-palate through a medium length finish. This wine needs a lot of air or cellaring early but should then coast for another 10-15 years.
| Rating | Value | Drink |
|---|
| 91 |
$42 |
2025-2040 |
| Country | Region | Appellation |
|---|
| United States |
Washington |
Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley |
| Editor | Issue | Importer |
|---|
| R. Geresi |
March, 2023 |
|
