L'Ecole No. 41 Merlot Estate Seven Hills Vineyard

Still had a lot of body, dark fruit, and tannins. Drank as a much younger wine than expected.

4th Saturday Group brown bagger (Mike's & LA's) : Aromas of black cherry, espresso and dark fruit. Lovely balance; red fruit, cherry, mocha and spice flavors. Finishes nicely.

As always,L'Ecole does a great job. Rich color and rich flavors.

The Blind Drunks monthly tasting (Rich & Dana's) : Noticeable alcohol on the nose, with cherry, currant and spice notes. Spice and red fruit on the palate, with odd cheesy/musty flavors too. Turns dry on the finish, with an herbal edge.

No real detailed notes except this wine was singing. Tasted like a very young Merlot. Nice dark fruit and nice acidity. Not over the hill at all. Tasted younger then the 99 Cab from the same producer that was consumed recently.

Nice. Integrated flavors. Fruit was mellow, but very alive. Cherry and cocoa notes. Color was not at all faded. Medium length finish. The 19% cab sauv in the blend was noticable in the flavor.

Delicious and smooth. Still plenty of fruit and a soft finish.

Nice earthy nose, smooth plum flavors with a long finish. Hints of spice.

Med blackish ruby, faint brick, aromas of charred toast, herbs, black fruit, b4, a3, t3, starts satiny smooth, finishes w/fine gritty, grippy tannins, touch of heat, bit much wood but more integrated than last time, d2, not bad, a bit hot

Decanted for 45 minutes. Inky purple with a ruby rim. On the nose, nice aromatics of black fruits. On the palate, blackberry and black cherry up front with chocolate and a bit of cinnamon on the finish. Fairly well-balanced and enjoyable...supple glycerins and relaxed tannins. Drinking at its peak right now. Was not the greatest QPR at $45 or so when purchased, but a typical good quaffer from L'Ecole.

A stunning Merlot from one of my favorite WA state wineries. Full bodied and a long finish. Blackberry flavors with a hint of spice - almost Cab like. A winning Merlot from an outstanding vintage.

Med blackish ruby, aromas of charred wood, black fruits, spices, heat, b3, a3, t3+, bright red fruit on palate, solid structure, tad too much wood but not too bad, good but simple, slight vegetal streak, sweet fruit fills in w/air, decent but charred wood mars a bit, d3, less wood on nose, nice chocolaty, toasty nose balanced by dark cherry, blackberry, b3, a2+, t3, nice balance, sweet fruit, firm structure, simple but good, bit of stewed tomato, drinkin very good …

Eric’s: Blueberries, black spice--but subdued; Forest fruit, underbrush, well bal., some pepper on the palate; nice med. t’s. Silverlake is similar, but a little more forward and balanced.

Deep red, incredible aromas of red berry, plum, earth, med body, med acidity, med tannins, juicy red fruit on finish, faint oak, balanced, picks up more oak w/air, still has clear beam of fruit, give it some time