L'ECOLE NO 41 SEMILLON - 2005

From Walla Walla Valley in Washington State, this Columbia Valley white wine is a blend of 86% Semillon and 14% Sauvignon Blanc. Barrel fermented and aged in oak, it has an alcohol content of 14.3%. L'Ecole is French for "school" and the winery began making wine in 1983.

TASTING NOTES:

Pale golden color with apple, lychee and pear on the nose. Lychee, honey, caramel and lemon dominate this slick, oily white underscored by oak and vanilla. The fruit is somewhat muted and the mouthfeel feels thin. Wine opens up and comes to life more on the second day.

SCORE & RECOMMENDATION:

87 PTS

L'Ecole makes a really good Semillon, but this vintage isn't up to snuff for them. I'm usually really impressed by the intensity and acidity of their Semillon, but the 2005 comes up short. Retails for around $15, which isn't too bad given how hard it is to come across this varietal in any shape or form.