L'Ecole 41 Merlot 2017, 375ml, Columbia Valley Washington

L’Ecole No 41 is recognized as one of Washington State’s top producers of premium Merlot and this wine delivers with great structure, color and balanced acidity. 2016 vintage – 78% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot 3% Malbec from Estate Seven Hills, Candy Mountain, Pepper Bridge, Bacchus & Dionysus, Weinbau, Klipsun, Estate Ferguson Vineyards. “Over 30 years of meticulous vineyard management and winemaking experience are fundamental to the quality of our wines and reputation for excellence. We are engaged in growing and making 100% of our wines.” Each lot was hand harvested ripe and gently crushed into 1.5 and 5 ton stainless steel fermenters. Gentle handling of the fruit through hand punch downs and gravity assisted movements were utilized throughout the entire winemaking process. The wine was cleanly racked to 100% small oak barrels, 30% new, with four rackings over 18 months. Layered with enticing aromas of black cherry, rose petal, and plum, this full bodied yet balanced Merlot shows layers of baking spices and cocoa with a seamless finish of finegrained tannin.