L'Ecole N° 41 Merlot

The winery is located in Shenandoah… uh, sorry – in the Walla Walla electoral district, where the soil is rather dry, sandy, and basaltic. This location imparts a fresh, crisp fruitiness to the wines. It was founded in 2003 by Frenchman Jean-François Pellet, together with his wife, the winemaker… okay, the story is that they make wine out of passion and tell a small, friendly story with a lot of character. Wine style: They produce rather elegant, approachable red and white wines with a fine tannin structure. Typical characteristics include juicy fruit, clean extract, and a heightened balance between freshness and ripeness. Red wines dominate – Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Malbec – often with a regional touch. But exciting whites like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc are also part of the mix, all quite food-friendly. Wine philosophy: Craftsmanship is paramount, sustainable practices are key, and judicious oak aging ensures that the character of the grapes is not overpowered. L'École No. 41 offers wines with character, elegance, and a certain approachability. No overly flashy showbiz, but down-to-earth, passionate winemaking. In short: L'École No. 41 is a charming, down-to-earth Washington winery with a French flair, delivering honest, well-made wines that are fun to drink, characterized by balance and clarity. Cheers!