Since its first vintage in 2011, Ferguson has become L'Ecole No 41's standout Bordeaux blend, further enhancing Walla Walla's reputation for superior single-vineyard wines.
Ferguson expresses the terroir of this region, which is extremely unique in its microclimate and geology.
Influenced by volcanic basalt soils, Ferguson produces richly structured wines with complex aromas of minerally blackberry, expressive violets, black plum and sandalwood.
Layers of fruit and espresso are edged by tannins and combine on the palate with flavors of graphite and crushed rock.
A detailed and solid structure.
Ferguson's distinctive natural acidity continues into a satiny, supple and firm finish.
Clearly influenced by the volcanic basalt soil, Ferguson is structured and energetic.
This wine has complex, minerally aromas of blackberry, mulberry, fragrant violet and sandalwood.
Layers of dark fruit and espresso are framed by expressive tannins integrated with graphite and crushed rock.
Powerful, sharp and structured, with Ferguson's signature natural acidity leading to an engaging, persistent finish.
Ferguson Vineyards Ferguson Vineyards is a spectacular high elevation vineyard with panoramic views of the Walla Walla Valley.
The 12 hectare vineyard is rooted in soils made up of a thin layer of fractured basalt formed from lava flows 15 million years ago, overlain by windblown loess.
The fields are certified sustainable and salmon-safe.
A mild growing season resulted in low yields but a long harvest period, resulting in wines with great balance, color and lively fruit flavors.
Budbreak began as usual in mid-April, a little early, and warm spring weather followed.
The freeze in late 2019 reduced bud fertility, and rain and wind during flowering in June resulted in an abnormally low yield.
- The heat was the same as usual, and veraison in early August was also normal.
- Just as harvest was beginning, smoke from wildfires in CA/OR drifted west into the Pacific Ocean and then east into the Columbia River Basin, causing smoke for eight days beginning the second week of September.
Due to the ripeness of the fruit, the timing of development, and the nature of this (stale) smoke, any impacts were minor and negligible.
However, diffuse sunlight and dropping temperatures slowed the fruit's ripening, causing the harvest to be delayed until October.
-Long growing seasons and small yields have produced great balance, length and aromas in the whites and concentration of flavor, color, texture and structure in the reds.
- Over 40 years of meticulous vineyard management and winemaking experience are the foundation of our wines' quality and exceptional reputation.
We are involved in every step of the growing and vinification of our own wines.
- Fully ripe grapes are hand-picked for each lot and gently pressed in 1.5-ton stainless steel fermentation tanks.
- Throughout the winemaking process, the fruit is handled gently, using gravity instead of manual punchdowns or machines.
The wine is transferred to small French barrels, 40% of which are new, and aged for 22 months.
L'Ecole No. 41 means school at number 41 in French.
The label depicts a school of historical value from that time, and the name comes from the fact that the area was Frenchtown, where many French Canadians lived.
This school has been the winery since it was founded.
L'Ecole No. 41 is the third oldest winery in Walla Walla and is one of the most highly regarded and well-known handcrafted wineries in Washington State.
The winery has received numerous awards around the world, including being named one of Wine Enthusiast magazine's top 100 wineries in the world 15 times, and in 2014 Estate Ferguson won the World Bordeaux Blend Award.
Recently, owner Marty Crabb was named one of the Most Influential People in the Wine Industry for 2021/22.
The award recognizes Marty's leadership, innovation, inspiration and positive impact on American wine culture.
While L'Ecole has built long-standing, friendly relationships with the great historic vineyards of Washington State, it is also renowned for continually investing in Seven Hills Vineyard, the oldest in Walla Walla, and for continuing to improve the quality of its wines to international standards.
Owner Marty Crabb has been named one of the most influential people in the wine industry.