Walla Walla Valley of Washington is a very diverse winemaking environment, and L’Ecole Luminesce 2019 an excellent example of it.
You can find here wines inspired by Bordeaux, Rhone, and Provence regions of France, Ribera del Duero and Rioja of Spain, and Toscana of Italy.
Luminesce 2019 is a white blend of 50% each Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon. It’s a typical blend of Bordeaux but rare in the United States because Semillon is a little-known grape to a general wine-drinking crowd.
L’Ecole Luminesce 2019
In the Bottle
Luminesce 2019 made with fruit of the acclaimed Seven Hills Vineyard, recognized as one of the Ten Great Vineyards of the World by Wine & Spirits Magazine.
The grapes were harvested in the early mornings and immediately whole-cluster-pressed to the tank. After the juice settled, it was racked to neutral French oak barrels, where it completed a slow, steady primary fermentation. To add complexity and flavors to the new wine is kept on lees in French oak barrels for four months. Then the wine is transferred to stainless steel tank for final ageing.
So what did we get in the glass?
In the Glass
Luminesce 2019 jump out of a glass with bright aromas of acacia blooms and fresh hay, pear and melon, lemon rind, and beeswax.
The refreshing acidity of grapefruit and lemon balanced the ripe apricot flavors and almost oily texture of the wine. The aftertaste of ripe white grapefruit made us for another sip and another sip…
Finish
True to its name, Luminesce radiated with finesse and soft power both on the nose and the palate. We could see how similar Bordeaux wines might find it challenging to compete with this gem from Walla Walla of Washington.
What are your favorites from Walla Walla and Washington?
Any recommendations on the next wine to taste and review?
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