Friday, June 8, 2007

TN: 1999 L'Ecole No. 41 Cabernet Sauvignon Walla Walla Valley

USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley (6/8/2007)These bottles of Washington State wine amuse me, but don't motivate me to go out and buy a supply. Maybe I treat them like experiments? I have had many many Cabs from this state and can honestly say, other than a stray here and there, they just don't spin my wheels. This one is no different. Maybe I am seeking Napa style from elsewhere?

Tasted immediately and decanted. The color is a dark cherry cola. The nose reveals some soda pop and some very subdued red fruits. The palate shows the sweetness and slight vegetalness I have come to expect from the appellation. There is some dark cherrie and blackberry. Where's the currant/cassis? Where's the lush/plush? Tannins resoved but that not alone is gonna pull this one out of the hole. Some chocolate and tar toward the finish which is just ok.. Ho Hum sums it up. Now back to the Valley to the south. (85 pts.)