L'Ecole No. 41 Semillon (75cl, 13.5%)

A barrel-fermented Columbia Valley white wine blending Semillon with Sauvignon Blanc at 13.5% ABV in a 750ml bottle. The 2021 vintage is built from roughly 85% Semillon and 15–18% Sauvignon Blanc. Grapes are harvested in the cool early morning, whole-cluster pressed, and the settled juice is racked into neutral French oak barrels for fermentation. Malolactic fermentation softens the acidity, and periodic lees stirring over about five months adds weight and complexity. The nose opens with beeswax and honeysuckle, then ripe melon, pineapple and a subtle grassy freshness, with chamomile, raw almond and lemon rind emerging with time. The palate is medium- to full-bodied, with kiwi, citrus peel, quince, fig and stone fruit, bright acidity and a supple texture. The finish is succulent and balanced, with honeyed apricot, lemon rind, a mineral undertone and lingering freshness.