2016 L'Ecole No. 41 Merlot Columbia Valley
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Tasting notes
A blend of 78% Merlot, 16% Cabernet Franc and 3% each of Petit Verdot and Malbec, the 2016 Columbia Valley Merlot begins with the tart red fruit on the nose, with a dusty floral essence. Medium-bodied, the wine is uncomplicated on the palate, with still-grippy tannins at the moment and straightforward, lingering finish. Enjoy it over the next four years. Only 4,600 cases made.
Critic scores
Average Score
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
James Suckling
More reviews and scores
Bright ruby-red. Cool aromas of plum, dark chocolate, tobacco leaf and licorice, plus a faint weedy quality; very Merlot! A step up in texture from the 2017 Frenchtown Red, conveying a slightly smoky character and a distinctly cool edge to its flavors of berries, plum, licorice and graphite. Ripe acidity nicely frames the middle palate. Finishes with substantial dusty tannins and good savory length. Almost 30% of this wine came from Seven Hills, as nowadays more of the Ferguson Merlot is going into L'Ecole's Estate Merlot bottling. (20% new oak)
The 2016 Merlot checks in as a blend of 78% Merlot, 16% Cabernet Franc, and 3% each of Malbec and Petit Verdot. It's a charmer from this team that has loads of fruit and richness as well as balance, and offers lovely dark fruits and leafy herb aromas and flavors. With no hard edges and a great finish, it's a smoking value to drink over the coming 7-8 years.
This merlot is fragrant and very lively, the herbal freshness, crisp tannins and bright acidity making it very food friendly. Good length, too. Drink or hold.