David Rosenthal, L’Ecole No. 41

Walla Walla Valley winery positions itself for the future

L’Ecole No. 41, one of Washington’s flagship wineries, has named David Rosenthal director of winemaking. Rosenthal is among the state’s most accomplished winemakers, having previously spent over two decades at Chateau Ste. Michelle, including time as head white winemaker.

“There’s no one that I would rather have at my right hand to help lead this winery into the future than David,” Ryan Pennington, chief operating office of L’Ecole, told Northwest Wine Report. “David and I have known each other and worked together for a long time. I know what he brings to the table as a winemaker, a production leader, a team leader, and an industry spokesperson.”

At L’Ecole, Rosenthal will oversee all winemaking responsibilities and report to Pennington. One of Washington’s most celebrated wineries, L’Ecole makes an assortment of estate grown Walla Walla Valley wines as well as broader Columbia Valley-designated offerings. The winery produces approximately 50,000 cases annually.

L’Ecole’s second major recent hire

Rosenthal’s hiring is the second major move L’Ecole has made of late. The winery hired Pennington, former vice president of communications and corporate affairs at Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, as COO in 2023. Marty Clubb, co-owner and managing winemaker at L’Ecole, said that both moves were about positioning L’Ecole for the future.

“I’m getting close to wanting to be in a position to retire somewhere down the road,” said Clubb, age 68. “I needed to bring someone into the fold who could become a partner with Ryan that has a full grasp of the wine industry for when I am a little more remote. David has those skills in a very major way.”

During his career, Rosenthal has made well over 100 wines that have received ratings of 90 points or above. He has had more than a dozen wines named to prominent top wine lists by national and international publications.

“I’m thrilled that Marty approached me with the opportunity,” Rosenthal said. “L’Ecole is one of the most significant historical wineries in Washington, they have some of the best estate vineyards, and the wines are phenomenal. I look forward to continuing the winery’s great legacy.”

One of Washington most experienced winemakers

Having grown up in Denver, Rosenthal came to the Pacific Northwest to study at the University of Puget Sound. He graduated in 2001 with a bachelor’s degree in marine biology, biology, and chemistry.

A friend who worked at a tasting room in Napa Valley encouraged Rosenthal