Wine of the Week - 2004 L'Ecole #41 "Barrel Fermented" Semillon

Marty Clubb, winemaker at L'Ecole, makes wonderful Semillons. In addition to the "Barrel Fermented", he makes Fries Vineyard and Seven Hills Vineyard. I usually prefer the "barrel fermented". Maybe that's because I like the smoothness that comes from fermentation in neutral oak. It is also not as big bodied as the others. The 2004 L'Ecole "Barrel Fermented" Semillon is not quite as smooth as the 2003. Nevertheless, it is soft and feels great as it enters your mouth. It is cool and crisp, medium bodied, flavorful with a slightly tangy finish. You may have to hunt and peck for this one. Yesterday, I found the 2005 L'Ecole Semillion at Trader Joe's. I'll try to taste it soon and let you what I find. By the way, it is barrel fermented, but just says Columbia Valley on the label. Available at wine shops and better supermarkets (about $15).