L’ecole no 41 Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley, USA

艾科勒赤霞珠干紅葡萄酒（拉河谷）

點擊次數：5602

Beginning with an oak-driven and fresh-fruited nose, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Walla Walla bursts from the glass with elements crème de cassis, vanilla and sweet oak tones before elements of dusty plum and dark cherry sway out of a glass with subtle floral tones. Medium to full-bodied, the oak expressions continue on the palate along with a persistent flavor of bitter black tea and firm tannins that grip the gumline. The wine concludes with a firm tannic edge and juicy black fruit essence. The wine rested for 22 months in all French oak, 40% new. Let this one rest for an additional year to 18 months before opening, and drink through this decade. 22,800 bottles were produced.

Displaying dark fruit on the tight and subdued nose, there is a rigidity to the fruit condition of the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Walla Walla, with aromas of dark plum skin and dusty purple flowers. Medium to full-bodied, the wine grips the palate with a tannic structure and doesn’t let go. The wine continues to linger with a tannic edge as the fruit components of the wine take a back seat, leaving me wanting more finesse and focus.

The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Walla Walla opens with an herbal and dark-fruited core that is tightly wound and ready to pounce. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is slightly shy, turning tarter with gripping tannins, before swaying back to an herbal edge. This is a food-friendly wine with a lingering, persistent finish. Give it a try. Nearly 2,000 cases produced.

The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Walla Walla is deep and brooding, unwinding in the glass with aromas of ripe berries and plums that mingle with hints of pencil shavings and creamy new oak. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, with notable power and concentration, but it's all wrapped up in a tight corset of very firm, hard and aggressively extracted tannins that make me question the wine's ultimate balance. The mouth-puckering finish only confirmed my fears.

Supple, sexy and layered, with lots of crème de cassis, spice and dried herbs, the 2014 Walla Walla Cabernet Sauvignon (100% varietal) is medium to full-bodied, nicely textured, balanced and undeniably delicious. It’s ideal for drinking over the coming 6-8 years, and it will keep even longer.