L'Ecole No. 41 Estate Walla Walla Merlot Washington 2020 Rated 94JS

James Suckling Review
Rated 94
This shows spicy and meaty aromas with walnut, cigar box and a backbone of dark and blue fruit. Full and fleshy with a compact stream of fine-grained tannins that are firm and have some chewiness. Lingering and chocolatey with a deep, dark-fruited finish. Try after 2024.

L'Ecole No. 41 Estate Walla Walla Merlot 2020 750ml

Powerful. Polished. A benchmark Walla Walla Merlot from two elite estate vineyards.
The 2020 L'Ecole No. 41 Estate Merlot is crafted from the winery's prestigious Seven Hills and Ferguson vineyards - two of the most celebrated sites in the Walla Walla Valley. This vintage delivers depth, structure, and beautifully layered dark fruit, earning top critical acclaim for its balance, minerality, and age-worthy profile. A blend of Merlot with Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, it showcases the elegance and power that define Walla Walla's finest reds.

• Producer: L'Ecole No. 41
• Region: Walla Walla Valley, Washington
• Varietals: 81% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Franc, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon
• ABV: 14.5%
• Vineyards: Seven Hills (52%), Ferguson (48%)
• Farming: Certified Sustainable & Salmon Safe
• Oak Aging: 18 months in small French oak, 35% new

Tasting Notes

Nose: Dark cherry, blackberry, Mission fig, cedar, coffee bean, rose, and sage.
Palate: Rich texture with graphite, dark chocolate, plum, and savory spice; polished tannins and basalt-driven minerality.
Finish: Fresh, focused, and structured with long, refined tannins.

Why You'll Love It

• Estate-grown fruit from two of Walla Walla's most iconic vineyards
• Highly rated across multiple major critics
• Combines richness, minerality, and structure
• Age-worthy yet approachable now

Food Pairing

• Grilled lamb or herb-crusted beef
• Roasted pork with cherry glaze
• Mushroom dishes and earthy pastas
• Aged cheddar, Gouda, or alpine cheeses

Cellaring

• Drink Window: Now-2030+
• Profile: Built for aging with concentrated fruit and refined tannins

L'Ecole No. 41 Estate Walla Walla Merlot 2020 is a powerful, polished, and beautifully structured Merlot that captures the essence of Walla Walla's world=class terroir—an exceptional bottle for collectors and Washington wine enthusiasts.