Nose
Brimming with complexity, this sleek Semillon boasts pronounced aromatics and an intense and flavorful profile, carried by a mouthwatering vibrancy. The wine presents aromas of lanolin, orange blossom, honeysuckle, and melon.
Palate
The aromas lead to a palate replete with lemongrass and Key lime, along with appealing green fig and hazelnut notes. The finish is refreshing and succulent.
Growing Conditions
Vineyards: Stillwater Creek, Klipsun, Lodmell, Rosebud, Estate Seven Hills.
Harvest
An overall mild growing season and challenging harvest have nonetheless delivered a high-quality vintage for L’Ecole. A cold and snowy February/March delayed field pruning, resulting in budbreak late April to early May. A warm May accelerated canopy growth and the onset of bloom. Cooler July temperatures moderated heat unit accumulation with veraison delayed 7 to10 days from normal. August brought customary warm weather, with only a few heat spikes over 100°F. A warm early September initiated a normal harvest, which was slowed due to slightly rainy and cooler conditions. A light frost at the end of September along with a forecast of more freezing weather on its way accelerated picking, with 60% of our fruit harvested the first two weeks of October. Freezing weather quickly brought the season to a close the second week of October. With delight, we are seeing beautiful and elegant wines, with high natural acidity, and impressive structure.
Bottling
Bottling Date: May 25-26, 2020
Winemaking
The grapes were harvested in the cool early morning hours and promptly delivered to the winery for immediate pressing. The fruit was whole-cluster pressed to tank and allowed to settle. The juice was then racked off the solids into neutral tight-grained French oak, then barrel fermented and aged for 5 months.
