Iconic family-owned Washington winery assembling team for next generation of leadership
November 12, 2025 (Walla Walla, WA) — L’Ecole № 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 № 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 really strong in the vineyard, which is essential for making great wine; he makes both white wines and red wines of the highest quality with equal skill; he knows how to make extremely high-quality wines at scale; he understands the operational side of making great wine; and he’s a terrific communicator and ambassador for Washington wine. In short, he’s the complete package as a winemaker; 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 № 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 № 41, Rosenthal was a consultant to some of the leading wineries in the Pacific Northwest. Before launching his consultancy, Rosenthal spent 22 years in a variety of roles at Chateau Ste. Michelle, culminating as their head white winemaker. He has also held roles with leading wineries in Australia, New Zealand, Napa Valley, and Willamette Valley.
The appointment of Rosenthal 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 he 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 different wines rated 90 points or better by national and international wine publications
- 14 wines named to annual Top 100 lists by national and international wine publications
- One of the very few white wines from Washington to be rated a perfect 100 points
About David Rosenthal
David Rosenthal is an acclaimed winemaker with 25 years of international winemaking experience. He has been responsible for some of the most popular and highly-rated wines in Washington.
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 the winemaking process. After Napa, he began working for Chateau Ste. Michelle, eventually ascending to Head White Winemaker. There he continued the storied tradition of exceptional winemaking, overseeing three million cases of annual production and adding to an extensive list of high scoring wines and accolades. Over the years, Rosenthal had the opportunity to work in Australia, New Zealand, and Oregon (twice), but Washington has always been home. Rosenthal founded his consultancy in 2022 and quickly built a roster of clients that included some of Washington’s most renowned wineries.
Rosenthal is a board member of the Washington Wine Technical Group and a frequent Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) instructor. He is an avid SCUBA diver; loves to travel with his wife, Katie; and is an avid sports geek. He believes that Riesling is all powerful and that good food and great wine are paramount to a joyful life.
About L’Ecole № 41
Housed in the historic Frenchtown schoolhouse depicted on its label, L’Ecole № 41 has earned international acclaim for producing expressive, distinctive wines that reflect the unmistakable typicity of Washington State and the unique terroir of their Walla Walla Valley estate vineyards. Founded in 1983, L’Ecole № 41 celebrates its 43rd harvest this year. In addition to Clubb, his wife, Megan, and their children, Riley Clubb and Rebecca Olson, are also co-owners and serve on the L’Ecole № 41 Board of Directors. For more information, please visit www.lecole.com.
