2018 L'Ecole No 41 Merlot Walla Walla Valley
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Tasting notes
Made with the addition of 12% Cabernet Franc and 4% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2018 Merlot Walla Walla Valley begins with enticing aromas of baking spices, vanilla, sweet cardamom and nutmeg before displaying juicy plum tones with elements of dark cherry and dried sage. Medium to full-bodied, the Merlot offers a delicious juicy frame of fruit that exudes oak spices before fine-grained tannins lift the mid-palate. The wine concludes with a delightfully lingering finish that drinks like a bottle of wine almost three times its price. The wine fermented in small French barrels, 35% new, before resting 18 months in oak. Bravo! This is a steal at this price. Just under 13,000 bottles were produced.
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
Notes of raspberry, plum and nutmeg. Itâs medium-bodied with plush tannins. Chalky texture on the palate with juicy character. Velvety and balanced with a long, flavorful finish. Firmness at the end. Drink from 2022.
Including 12% Cabernet Franc and 4% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2018 Merlot Walla Walla Valley gives up a delicious, medium to full-bodied, mouth-filling style as well as loads of pure black cherry and currant fruits, ripe, velvety tannins, no hard edges, and subtle tobacco, cedarwood, and chocolatey aromas and flavors. As with all the wines from L'Ecole No. 41, it has a classic, balanced, Old World vibe while still bringing beautiful fruit. Drink it over the coming 10-12 years or more.