94pts James Suckling

Rich chocolate, dried chile, blackcurrant, black olive and walnut
aromas. Full-bodied with fantastic intensity and firm tannins holding
everything together. Better after 2025.

93pts Vinous

The 2021 Syrah Estate Seven Hills Vineyard entices with a nuanced blend of wild herbs, spiced citrus rinds, olives and earth tones. It’s soft textured and pliant, with a mineral tinge up front. Zesty acidity further enlivens its tart wild berry fruits. This is distinctly savory and intense. A primary concentration lingers along with edgy tannins as violet inner florals and tart black raspberry notes fade. There is simply so much going on here, yet the 2021 is still so young. The future appears to be very bright.

93pts Wine Spectator

Expressive and precise, this red unfurls with black cherry and raspberry flavors laced with stony mineral and white pepper notes, building tension toward medium-grained tannins. Drink now through 2032. 1,170 cases made.

92pts Wine Enthusiast

The attractive one-two aromatic punch of blackberry popsicles and bacon fat is joined by floral notes of violets and freesia. Juicy red apple and pomegranate seed flavors mix it up with blackberry jam, nutmeg, cedar and chocolate. Elevated acidity and brawny tannins provide plenty of support. Try this wine with muffuletta and any Trombone Shorty record.

91pts Wine & Spirits

A Columbia Valley classic from some of the earliest syrah vines planted in Walla Walla, this wine leads with savory notes of pine and mint, touch of ground pepper adorning black plum and dark cherry. Those dark fruits are chased by savory elements, olives and mocha. It needs a year to knit.

Tasting Notes

This bold, concentrated Estate Syrah exudes balance, marrying luscious fruit and savory aromas, including fresh blackberry, bacon, and lavender balanced by baking spice and black olive. The complex palate shows flavors of juicy black plum and spiced mulberry. The style is generous and silky, finishing with beautifully integrated tannins and a persistent finish.

Winemaker Notes

Washington State’s climate and soil are ideally suited to maximize the varietal characteristics of Syrah. Crafted from some of the earliest Walla Walla Valley Syrah plantings, this wine manifests old-world attributes of earth and spice, in combination with the new-world profile of bold, expressive fruit.

Vineyard Notes

L’Ecole No 41 is a partner in the 170 acre acclaimed Seven Hills Vineyard, which is planted in wind-blown loess of geologically young and mineral rich soils. One of the most renowned vineyards of Walla Walla, Seven Hills is Certified Sustainable and Salmon Safe and was recognized as one of the Ten Great Vineyards of the World by Wine & Spirits Magazine.