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Today's Wine Review

2023 L'Ecole #41 Red Blends or Varietals "Frenchtown Red Wine"

Vintage: 2023

Wine Name/Vineyard: "Frenchtown Red Wine"

Wine Category: Red Blends or Varietals

Grape blend: 45% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, 9% Syrah, 5% Grenache, 2% Malbec, 2% Petit Verdot & 1% Mourvedre

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: Columbia Valley

State or country: WA

Price: $23

Cases produced: 7,000

KWG Score: 91 (based on 4 reviews)

Ken's Wine Rating: Very Good+ (91)

Review date: June 18, 2026

Wine Review: This opaque and midnight purple colored Washington state blend made from 8 different varieties is a very good value. It opens with a black raspberry and oolong tea bouquet with hints of dried strawberry and moist pipe tobacco. On the palate, this wine is medium bodied with medium plus acidity. The mouthfeel is balanced, round, fresh, and bright. The flavor profile is a gentle plum and mild black cherry blend with notes of graphite and marionberry. I also detected hints of cedar and red Twizzler. The finish is dry, and its flavors, acidity, and moderate dusty tannins are nicely managed. This offering could be served slightly chilled as a nice summer red. With food it will go well with many options at your picnic, from burgers to barbecue ribs. Enjoy - Ken

Winemaker Notes: An excellent Frenchtown vintage showing copious fresh fruit aromas of dark cherry, blueberry, raspberry, and anise complemented by cocoa powder and violet floral notes. This easy-drinking wine offers an abundance of lively fruit, cinnamon sticks, and spice flavors framed by a medium body and finely textured tannins, leading to a harmoniously balanced, juicy, and enduring finish.

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