L'Ecole No 41 Appoints David Rosenthal as Director of Winemaking

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

L'Ecole No 41 appoints David Rosenthal as Director of Winemaking

Iconic family-owned Washington winery assembling team for next generation of leadership

WALLA WALLA, Wash. (November 12, 2025) – L'Ecole No 41, one of the founding wineries of Washington's Walla Walla Valley and among the region's most acclaimed and recognized wineries nationally and internationally, has appointed David Rosenthal as Director of Winemaking.

"David is one of the most talented winemakers in Washington. End of story," said Marty Clubb, Owner and Managing Winemaker for L'Ecole No 41. "Not only has he made some of the state's best, highest-scoring, most sought-after wines, but he brings a breadth and depth of experience that's virtually unmatched. He's strong in the vineyard, which is essential for making great wine; he crafts both white and red wines of the highest quality with equal skill; he knows how to produce exceptional wines at scale; he understands the operational side of winemaking; and he's a terrific communicator and ambassador for Washington wine. In short, he's the complete package—he does it all. He's the Shohei Ohtani of Washington wine."

"I am incredibly honored to be joining the L'Ecole team," said Rosenthal. "I've admired L'Ecole No 41 since I first started in the industry more than 20 years ago. This opportunity to work with Marty, one of the true legends of Washington wine, and some of the best growers and vineyards in the state, including our estate vineyard manager, Sadie Drury, is really a dream come true. Additionally, L'Ecole's two estate vineyards, Seven Hills Vineyard and Ferguson Vineyard, are truly special sites producing wines with stunning character. I'm also excited to be joining the dynamic Walla Walla Valley wine community. This is a special place to grow and make wine."

Prior to joining L'Ecole No 41, Rosenthal consulted for leading wineries in the Pacific Northwest. Before launching his consultancy, he spent 22 years in various roles at Chateau Ste. Michelle, culminating as Head White Winemaker. He has also worked with top wineries in Australia, New Zealand, Napa Valley, and Oregon's Willamette Valley.

Rosenthal's appointment follows the hiring of another key team member, Chief Operating Officer Ryan Pennington, in July 2023. Rosenthal will report to Pennington.

"When I hired Ryan, I knew he was the right person to lead the winery into the future. I actually tried to hire him back in 2018, but the timing wasn't quite right. I was thrilled to finally land him," said Clubb. "Ryan has had a tremendous impact on the winery in just two short years and has been critical to our success in the current business environment. Now, with the addition of David, we are continuing to assemble the team that will take us to the next level."

"I have known and worked with David for nearly 20 years, and there is no one better to help us strengthen our position as one of the most iconic wineries of Washington," said Pennington. "David and I have shared countless bottles over the years and countless hours discussing our passion and vision for Washington wine. I am thrilled to work with him to turn that vision into reality."

"My family and I will always be a part of the winery, but Ryan and David are the perfect team to lead L'Ecole for the next generation," added Clubb.

Winemaking Highlights from David Rosenthal

• 135 wines rated 90 points or higher by national and international wine publications
• 14 wines named to annual Top 100 lists by leading wine publications
• One of the very few Washington white wines to receive a perfect 100-point score

About David Rosenthal

David Rosenthal is an acclaimed winemaker with 25 years of international experience. He has crafted some of Washington's most popular and highly rated wines.

After earning his bachelor's degree in marine biology from the University of Puget Sound, Rosenthal worked his first harvest in Napa Valley in 2001 and was immediately captivated by winemaking. He later joined Chateau Ste. Michelle, eventually becoming Head White Winemaker, overseeing three million cases annually and earning numerous accolades. Over the years, Rosenthal worked in Australia, New Zealand, and Oregon, but Washington has always been home. In 2022, he launched his consultancy, quickly attracting some of the state's most renowned wineries.

Rosenthal serves on the board of the Washington Wine Technical Group and is a frequent Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) instructor. He is an avid SCUBA diver, loves traveling with his wife, Katie, and is a passionate sports enthusiast. He believes Riesling is all-powerful and that good food and great wine are essential to a joyful life.

About L'Ecole No 41

Housed in the historic Frenchtown schoolhouse depicted on its label, L'Ecole No 41 has earned international acclaim for producing expressive, distinctive wines that reflect the unmistakable typicity of Washington State and the unique terroir of its Walla Walla Valley estate vineyards. Founded in 1983, L'Ecole No 41 celebrates its 43rd harvest this year. In addition to Clubb, his wife, Megan, and their children, Riley Clubb and Rebecca Olson, are co-owners and serve on the L'Ecole No 41 Board of Directors.