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Merlot = Great Hamburger Wine
Over-the-top hamburgers seem to be all the rage. Multiple patties, smothered in cheese, bacon and who know what else make for great food porn, but do you want to actually eat one? Not me. Give me a pasture raised local beef patty dressed with a few veggies and I’m a happy guy. Know what? Merlot is a great choice whether you’re a purist or a fan of the over-the-top.

Disclosure: Our Wine Pairing Weekend blogging group received a variety of wine samples from the #MerlotMe wineries for our October posts. No other payments were involved and all opinions expressed in my blog posts are my own.

Julie remarked (positively) that these wines weren’t so “astringent” and were more enjoyable for drinking alone.

L’Ecole no. 41 is one of the pioneering wineries in the Walla Walla Valley in Washington State. Their wines show their Washington home with a bit of an old world, restrained approach. Perfect for an honest hamburger, or meatloaf, or your nicest steak.

L’Ecole 41 Estate Grown Walla Walla Valley Merlot 2015 (sample $36 SRP, or online here)
Ferguson Vineyard 50%, Seven Hills Vineyard 50%
Eye: Clear, deep ruby with a purple edge, legs are barely stained
Nose: Clean, medium intensity. Deep blue fruit, ripe blueberries, an herbal/floral element behind the fruit, a bit of chocolate in the background
Mouth: Dry, medium intensity medium acidity, medium tannins. Medium+ body, medium alcohol. Dark blue fruit and cocoa are the main flavor elements, extending to a medium length finish.

L’Ecole 41 Estate Grown Columbia Valley Merlot 2015 (sample $24 SRP, or online here)
Eye: Clear, deep ruby with a cool colored, not quite purple edge. Lightly stained legs
Nose: Clean, medium intensity, deep blue fruit, blueberry/blackberry. Cocoa behind the fruit, herbal/floral is less present compared to the Walla Walla wine.
Mouth: Dry, medium intensity flavor, medium acidity, medium tannins. Dark blue fruit and cocoa dominate the flavors, again to a nice medium length finish. Tannins linger into the finish. Tannins are silky and only noticeable if you are looking for them.

You already know how to make your favorite hamburger. Next time, try it with a L’Ecole no. 41 Merlot

When you go to Walla Walla, make sure you schedule a visit to L’Ecole no. 41, located in the old historic Lowden Schools #41.  I promise, no one will give you detention or make you write sentences!

It really is an old schoolhouse, Lowden Schools no. 41