Vintage Character L'Ecole No. 41 Columbia Valley Merlot 2022 is a Washington State red from the broad Columbia Valley AVA, a region whose warm days and cool nights help Merlot achieve generous ripeness while preserving lift and definition. The 2022 vintage showed a cooler, later growing season in Washington, which slowed ripening and favored freshness, making this an especially attractive vintage for drinkers who value balance and precision. Drawn from multiple Columbia Valley sites, the wine reflects the appellation’s hallmark mix of sun-filled days, low rainfall, and well-drained soils that concentrate fruit while keeping the style polished rather than heavy.
Tasting Profile & Food Pairing On the nose, it offers ripe black cherry, plum, and red currant layered with violet, dried herbs, cocoa, and a touch of sweet spice. The palate is supple yet structured, with medium-full body, fine-grained tannins, and a fresh line of acidity carrying dark berry fruit, mocha, cedar, and subtle savory notes through a persistent finish. This is a versatile Merlot that works beautifully with rosemary lamb chops, grilled pork tenderloin, or roast duck with cherry glaze.
Winery Background Founded in 1983, L'Ecole No. 41 was one of the pioneering wineries of the Walla Walla Valley and remains family owned, operating from the historic 1915 Frenchtown schoolhouse that inspired its name. The estate is known for long-term grower relationships across top Washington vineyards and for a philosophy centered on fruit purity, regional transparency, and consistency. Fruit is typically hand-harvested from carefully selected sites, fermented in small lots to preserve vineyard character, then matured in oak to build texture and complexity without overwhelming the wine’s natural freshness, a measured approach that has made L'Ecole a benchmark producer for Washington Merlot.
Product details
Wine TypeRed
WineryL'Ecole No. 41
Grape VarietiesMerlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot