The 2012 L'Ecole No 41 Ferguson Proprietary Blend is a red wine from the Walla Walla appellation within Washington's Columbia Valley. Produced by L'Ecole No 41, this wine represents the second vintage from the winery's young estate property. It is a proprietary blend featuring Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec, which contributes to its complex profile.
Wine Enthusiast awarded this wine a commendable score of 92, highlighting its potential for future development. In their September 2015 review, they described the wine as "locked up at present," indicating that it is currently tight and not fully expressive. The aromatic profile includes notes of coffee, graphite, cherry, barrel spices, and licorice, while the palate offers flavors of dark chocolate and cherry. The tannins are described as "lightly grippy," suggesting a firm structure that will benefit from further aging. Wine Enthusiast notes that while the wine shows "lot of promise," it will be best enjoyed after 2021, giving it time to mature and open up.
This wine's blend of varietals suggests a balance between the structure of Cabernet Sauvignon, the softness of Merlot, the aromatic complexity of Cabernet Franc, and the depth of Malbec. The review's focus on its tightly coiled nature indicates that patience will be rewarded, as the wine is expected to evolve and reveal more complexity over time.
Overall, the 2012 L'Ecole No 41 Ferguson Proprietary Blend is a wine with significant aging potential. For those willing to wait, it promises to develop into a more expressive and harmonious wine, showcasing the quality and craftsmanship of its producer and region.