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2016 L'Ecole No. 41 Seven Hills Vineyard Syrah

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Latest Sale Price

June 29, 2025 - $23

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RATINGS

95James Suckling

...manages to combine almost perfectly great wild blackberries with the smoky and black-pepper aromas of the variety...stunning interplay of crisp and lively tannins with serious concentration of spice and fresh acidity on the palate, which ignites the super long finish.

93Jeb Dunnuck

...medium to full-bodied, plump, rounded, sexy Syrah that has loads of plum and blueberry fruits, notes of spice and dried herbs, plenty of mid-palate depth, and a great finish.

92Vinous / IWC

Wild, rather Rhône-like perfume of blackberry, black cherry, lavender, black pepper, bitter chocolate and wild herbs. Then plush and easygoing in the mouth, combining lovely thickness and an impression of energy to its savory, varietally expressive flavors of blackberry, blueberry, black pepper, olive tapenade and exotic spices. Suave tannins saturate the mouth on the slowly building finish.

91.3CellarTracker

90+ The Wine Advocate

...success with classic expressions of black pepper and delicate oak tones, with focused black fruit at the core. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is rich, bold and focused, showing a purity and correctness for Sarah and lingers with intention across the mid-palate. It ends with a lingering essence of oak, dark plum and berries sprinkled with black peppercorn on the long, pleasing finish.

90Wine Enthusiast

Aromas of black raspberry, blueberry pie, dark coffee, cherry, vanilla and spice are followed by focused fruit flavors with a firm spine of tannins. It brings a pleasing sense of freshness, despite the warmth of the vintage, and has impressive staying power.

PRODUCER

L'Ecole No. 41

L’Ecole No. 41 was founded in 1983 in Walla Walla Valley. It was founded by Jean and Baker Ferguson. Jean was the winemaker and Baker, a banker by profession, managed the business. Today the estate is owned and run by the Bakers’ daughter, Meagan, and her husband Marty Clubb. The winery gets its name from the historic, early 20th century schoolhouse where the winery makes its headquarters. L’Ecole No. 41 owns vineyards and sources grapes from several Washington appellations. The estate makes a broad portfolio of red and white wines, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Grenache, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc and Semillon. In 2013 Wine & Spirits Magazine named L’Ecole the Winery of the Year.

REGION

United States, Washington, Walla Walla Valley

Walla Walla Valley AVA likes to call itself the Napa Valley of Washington, and given the concentration of well-reviewed wineries in the appellation, the comparison is understandable. The Walla Walla appellation is comprised of 340,000 acres, of which 1,200 acres are vineyards. Walla Walla is located in the southeastern corner of Washington and it extends slightly into northeastern Oregon. It is named after the Walla Walla River Valley, and the city of Walla Walla is the commercial center of Washington’s wine industry. The city was founded in the 1840s by the Hudson’s Bay Company as a trading post, but as early as the 1850s farmers were planting grapes for winemaking. Prohibition shuttered winemaking in the early 20th century, but a winemaking renaissance started in the 1970s when Leonetti Cellars, still one of the state’s most acclaimed wineries, started producing acclaimed Cabernet Sauvignon. Walla Walla’s AVA status was awarded in 1984 and today there are more than 100 wineries. Cabernet Sauvignon is the most frequently planted grape, followed by Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Sangiovese Chardonnay and Viognier.

TYPE

Red Wine, Syrah (Shiraz)

This grape is grown in milder climates and produces a medium-to full-bodied wine. It is also known as Shiraz, but should not be confused with Petit Sirah, which was developed by crossing Syrah with Peloursin.

VINTAGE

2016 L'Ecole No. 41 Seven Hills Vineyard Syrah