The 2008 Cabernet Franc Seven Hills Vineyard shows off a potentially complex nose of olives, sage, thyme, black currant, and blackberry. On the palate it is quite tannic through to the finish. Whether it will ultimately come together remains to be seen; at present it is a gamble. L’Ecole No. 41, under the leadership of Marty Clubb, 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 is about to outgrow the charming label which may have contributed to its fame. Be that as it may, L’Ecole now produces about 35,000 cases with distribution in all 50 states and abroad. Despite the expansion, quality has remained consistently excellent as has pricing, no doubt the main reason why L’Ecole seems to have survived the recession without too much pain.Tel. (509) 525-0940; www.lecole.com

The 2006 Cabernet Franc Estate Seven Hills Vineyard is sold only at the winery. It offers a superb bouquet of cinnamon, clove, allspice, red currant, and black cherry. Supple, layered, and elegant, this savory, well-balanced wine will evolve for 2-3 years and be at its best from 2010 to 2018.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