The 2006 Chardonnay comes from a cool site. It has tropical aromas and flavors, a creamy texture, savory flavors, and a lengthy, friendly finish. Drink it over the next 2-3 yearL’Ecole No. 41 is one of Walla Walla’s pioneers, the third modern day winery in the Valley. Over the years the winery has prospered, outgrown the namesake schoolhouse, and now produces about 35,000 cases with distribution in all 50 states and abroad. Despite the expansion, quality has remained consistently excellent. L’Ecole’s original fame was the result of its success with Semillon. Today the winery produces three.Tel. (509) 525-0940; www.lecole.com

This is a distinctive Chardonnay, with pea vine and peach, anise and apple mixing it up. It has a lovely, lifted elegance that keeps the flavors intertwined but allows you to experience them separately as well, and it carves a flavor trail through the finish that lingers sensuously. Could be the best CV Chardonnay ever from L’Ecole.——P.G.(12/31/2007)—— 91