L’Ecole: Schooled in Wine
Apr 04, 2019
His family-owned artisan winery was founded by Megan’s parents, Jean and Baker Ferguson, in 1983. It was the third winery in Walla Walla at the time.
Marty and Megan eventually took over, and from that time forward, not only did Marty lead L’Ecole to become one of the most respected wineries in Washington State, we further recognize Marty’s ongoing dedication and commitment to our wine industry in many distinguished leadership roles.
WWWA Cum Laude: No Wine Left Behind Award
This is to certify L’Ecole N° 41 has achieved exceptional status from the docents at Wine Warehouse Wine Academy (WWWA) and is hereby awarded the coveted WWWA No Wine Left Behind Award.
This rare honor is awarded to wineries devoted to the noble tradition in the highest scholastic pursuits of wine and winemaking. L’Ecole N° 41 has proven to be one the textbook cause célèbre wineries whose attention to detail from vineyard to bottle leaves no wine left behind.
Every wine receives the same attention as if it were the only student in the class, as if it were a direct tutor-to-student relationship to achieve the ultimate potential in each bottle, label each vintage.
WWWA Cum Laude: No Staff Left Behind Award
The WWWA would further like to acknowledge the following leaders for their proficiency and collaborative contributions to the aforementioned excellence herein. The WWWA further acknowledges it would be an understatement to say these distinctive educators are, in pedestrian terms, best of class.
L’Ecole Regents
Superintendents: Jean & Baker Ferguson, Founders, established the winery as a retirement project in 1983.
Principals: Second generation owners Marty and Megan Clubb, daughter of original owners.
Valedictorian: Mike Sharon, Winemaker
Student Advisory Council: Bill Mansker & Jeff Briggs, Associate Winemakers; Dan Loomis, Cellarmaster
PH’Ds: It must be noted, in addition to the No Wine Left Behind Award, L’Ecole has been recognized by Wine & Spirits Magazine as a Top 100 Winery of the Year fourteen times.
Courses & Curriculum
Geological Sciences
TheWWWA recognizes their belief in an intense involvement in all aspects of vineyard management, including designated blocks or rows, tight winery controls on yields with a special focus on aggressive pruning, drip irrigation and minimal irrigation as well as sustainable biologically-based vineyard practices.
Chemistry & Physics
This is to further recognize their belief in winemaking practices to assure the wines will be more expressive, more aromatic, and show their individual sense of place. With highly focused attention to detail for each vineyard lot, we additionally recognize their preference for limited manipulation and handling of the fruit, exemplified by gravity assisted fruit movements, limited adjustments on acidity, soft pressing and whole cluster pressing to minimize harsh tannins and flavors, minimally-fined and lightly-filtered wines with a only a partial semester in oak.
Scholastic History
We at WWWA acknowledge L’Ecole is an authentic, artisan Washington brand, built on experience and innovation, and known for distinctive wines of the highest quality in a historic region.
The image of the Schoolhouse is the cornerstone of the L’Ecole brand and the centerpiece of their wine labels since the winery’s inception in 1983 including its label. The original Frenchtown School was a log cabin built in 1870 along the shore of the Walla Walla River. It was rebuilt in 1915 at their present location and renamed the Lowden School.
Frenchtown derived its name from the many French Canadians who settled in the Walla Walla Valley during the early 1800s. The winery name, L’Ecole N° 41 (French for “the school”) is located in the original school district 41.
Notable Curriculum
Geology & Agriculture
They are now at the forefront of sustainable farming in the Walla Walla Valley, notably with their Estate Ferguson and Estate Seven Hills Vineyards, both of which are certified sustainable and certified Salmon Safe.
Outreach
Wine Warehouse is honored to present L’Ecole wines to our customers. We will continue to reach out to you with the added honor of this stunning producer with the impressive array of their wines in their unique library from one of the fastest growing wine regions in the country.
We think you will agree L’Ecole is a textbook case of achievement. That is to say it’s first class, superb, and never misses a mark. Congratulations from Wine Warehouse!
L’ECOLE’S NOTABLE COURSES & UNITS
Frontline Tuition: $516 per case, $43 per bottle unit
Teacher’s Notes: Ferguson is a dedicated student. Popular with others without getting too distracted. Speaks fluent French.
Highest Accolade: “The tar and blackberry aromas are impressive with hints of roasted almonds. Full-bodied, layered and delicious. Licorice and hot stone undertones.” 94pts James Suckling
Full Honors: 94pts James Suckling; 93pts Wine Enthusiast, Best Buy, Cellar Selection; 93pts Vinous; 92pts Wine & Spirits
Frontline Tuition: $444 per case, $37 per bottle unit
Teacher’s Notes: Apogee is a true achiever and blends in well with others. He seems to prefer the company of other Bordeaux blends.
Highest Accolade: “Offering up notes of black cherries, cassis, pencil lead and loamy soil, the 2015 Apogee Pepper Bridge Vineyard is medium to full-bodied, supple and concentrated, balanced by juicy acids.” 93pts Wine Advocate
Full Honors: 93pts Wine Advocate; 93pts James Suckling; 92pts Vinous; 90pts Wine Enthusiast
Frontline Tuition: $456 per case, $38 per bottle unit
Teacher’s Notes: A member of the French Club, Perigee is a perfectionist. She always turns in quality work on time with a memorable finish and conclusion in her dissertation. She is a bit reserved, underscoring her innate curiosity.
Highest Accolade: “A firm and silky red with blackberries, blueberries and black olives. Medium to full body and round and easy tannins.” 93pts James Suckling
Full Honors: 93pts James Suckling; 91pts Wine Enthusiast; 91pts Wine & Spirits
Frontline Tuition: $336 per case, $28 per bottle unit
Highest Accolade: “Plenty of blackcurrant and blackberry character with hints of dried flowers. Exotic undertones of spices. Medium to full body and firm, silky tannins.” 93pts James Suckling
Full Honors: 93pts James Suckling; 91+pts Vinous
Frontline Tuition: $192 per case, $16 per bottle unit
Teacher’s Notes: He is capable of exceptional work but is sometimes too distracted by his friends. Loves to be the life of the party.
Highest Accolade: “Notes of fig, lemon balm, spun cotton. Well-balanced, richly textured flavors follow.” 90pts Wine Enthusiast, Editors’ Choice
Full Honors: 90pts Wine Enthusiast, Editors’ Choice; 90pts Vinous
Frontline Tuition: $312 per case, $26 per bottle unit
Highest Accolade: “This shows more tar and asphalt than others. Blackberry and blueberry undertones. Black olives, too. A fun and inquisitive wine.” 93pts James Suckling
Full Honors: 93pts James Suckling; 91pts Vinous; 90+pts Wine Advocate
Frontline Tuition: $312 per case, $26 per bottle unit
Teacher’s Notes: Syrah is a bold student, socially smooth and fairly focused, loves to spice things up. She spends a lot of her class time speaking out. Her class nickname is “Pepper.”
Highest Accolade: “Good depth and complexity here. This has aromas and flavors of dark plums and blackberries.” 93pts James Suckling
Full Honors: 93pts James Suckling; 92pts Vinous; 90pts Wine Spectator; 90pts Wine Advocate; 90pts Wine Enthusiast
Frontline Tuition: $276 per case, $23 per bottle unit
Teacher’s Notes: An extremely expressive student, very direct and sure of himself.
Highest Accolade: “Sleek and precise, with expressive blackberry, espresso and licorice flavors that take on richness.” 91pts Wine Spectator
Full Honors: 91pts Wine Spectator; 91pts Wine & Spirits, Best Buy; 90+pts Vinous; 90pts James Suckling; 90pts Wine Advocate
Frontline Tuition: $228 per case, $19 per bottle unit
Teacher’s Notes: Merlot has shown herself to be able to diffuse tense moments with challenging tasks. Consistent, reliable and studious.
Highest Accolade: “Blackberry and violet aromas with hints of hazelnut. Medium-bodied and layered.” 92pts James Suckling
Full Honors: 92pts James Suckling; 90pts Wine & Spirits, Best Buy
Frontline Tuition: $228 per case, $19 per bottle unit
Teacher’s Notes: She actually looks a lot like the other Syrah in my class, but was raised in a different part of town. Her work is consistent and focused.
Highest Accolade: “This syrah is big and focused at once, a wallop of blue-black fruit that still has direction. Its intensity recedes into a lean and lifted finish.” 90pts Wine & Spirits
Full Honors: 90pts Wine & Spirits
Frontline Tuition: $198 per case, $16.5 per bottle unit
Teacher’s Notes: My most popular student, not the most scholarly, but he doesn’t seem to care. He is accepted well in most circles, blends in to most situations, very easy to be around, and could easily use his popularity to really travel well through life.
Highest Accolade: ” It’s big and it’s red, with a waft of tobacco leaf aromas holding together a wild berry component. This it turns lean and sleek, with a
tight and firmly tannic finish.” 91pts Wine & Spirits
Full Honors: 91pts Wine & Spirits
Frontline Tuition: $126 per case, $10.5 per bottle unit
Teacher’s Notes: Semillon is a true Francophile. She loves to blossom in class, a very complex personality.
Tasting Notes: Rich with vibrant fruit and balanced acidity, this wine shows pretty orange blossom with layers of fresh lemongrass, yellow apple and ananas melon that expand on a clean finish.
Frontline Tuition: $138 per case, $11.5 per bottle unit
Teacher’s Notes: A delight to have in class.
Highest Accolade: “The aromas here offer notes of freshly sliced pear, cantaloupe, banana, melon rind and papaya. The bone dry palate brings an abundant tropical fruit flavor and a strong sense of acidity.” 91pts Wine Enthusiast, Best Buy, #29 TOP 100
Full Honors: 91pts Wine Enthusiast, Best Buy, #29 TOP 100; 90pts Vinous
Frontline Tuition: $108 per case, $9 per bottle unit
Teacher’s Notes: She seems to be everywhere at once, spreads her time thin and leads several book clubs. A very reliable student.
Tasting Notes: This expressive Chardonnay offers an inviting mix of baked apple, Asian pear, and stone. With Meyer lemon and brioche on the mid-palate.
