The 2006 Semillon Estate Seven Hills Vineyard delivers aromas of melon, apple, and citrus. Round, full-flavored, and ripe, this savory effort has superb balance and a long finish. Drink it over the next 3 years.L’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

The 2006 Semillon Columbia Valley contains 15% Sauvignon Blanc. It was barrel-fermented in 20% new oak and 40% was sur-lie. Light gold-colored, it offers fresh aromas of melons and honey. Smooth-textured, concentrated, and balanced, this lengthy effort would be a fine match for sea bass or rockfish. L’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 wine is formulaic in a good way; L’Ecole “owns” Semillon in Washington, and it is hard to think of any winery in the country that does a better job with the grape. Aged sur lie in neutral oak, blended with 14% Sauvignon Blanc and put through malolactic for added creaminess, this is a delicious, rich and succulent wine that deftly mixes flavors of nettle, lime and melon with vanilla custard and a hint of butterscotch.——P.G.(12/31/2007)—— 90