Growing Conditions
A late bud-break in mid-April was followed by a warm May with rapid canopy growth. A quick, even bloom set a uniform crop. A cool June contributed to healthy berry growth. July and early August were warm, with occasional heat spikes. Canopies were managed
to avoid sunburn and irrigation was micromanaged. Intense cluster thinning was required to control yields. Veraison tracked 2017 in Walla Walla and was slightly ahead in other regions of the state.
A brief rainfall shifted early September into cooler weather leading to two months of near-perfect weather conditions for final fruit maturity. Higher sugars were balanced against higher acid levels and wonderfully intense color and tannin extraction, big fruit flavors, and overall balanced structure. Another strong Washington vintage.
Harvest
Perfectly dry harvest weather extended hang-time resulting in rich color and vibrant fruit flavors, another great vintage for Washington State.
Winemaking
For over 35 years, L’Ecole has built long-term partnerships with the oldest and most proven vineyards, providing access to some of the best fruit in the Columbia Valley. With average vine age of more than 20 years, this wine shows a classic Cabernet Sauvignon profile of firm structure, integrated tannins, and dark expressive fruit.
Aging
The wine was cleanly racked to small oak barrels, 25% new, with four rackings over 22 months.
