Class is officially in session. As students across Virginia head back to school, August’s Red Reserve selections give us the perfect opportunity for a playful back-to-school edition. Blackboard needs little explanation, while L’École translates simply as “the school” in French. Fortunately, this month’s homework involves two excellent bottles of Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.
The 2022 L’École No 41 Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon offers a classic lesson in Washington Cabernet. Sourced from established vineyards throughout the region, it combines black cherry, cassis, plum, graphite, mint, and floral notes with fine tannins and a long, polished finish.
The 2021 Blackboard Cabernet Sauvignon takes the lesson in a warmer, more savory direction. Fruit from the Yakima Valley and Royal Slope contributes ripe cherry and berry flavors layered with leather, white pepper, tea leaves, chocolate, and intriguing umami notes. Its generous texture and mouth-coating tannins reflect the concentration of the warm 2021 vintage.
Together, these wines offer a study in contrast within a single region. L’École emphasizes classical structure, freshness, and graphite-driven complexity, while Blackboard delivers ripe fruit, savory depth, and inviting richness. Consider this a Cabernet master class, with no pencils, permission slips, or final exam required.
Club members can sample all four bottle club selections and pick up their wines at the pick up event on Tuesday, August 11, 2026 or at Curio for the remainder of August.