2016 L'Ecole No 41 Apogee Pepper Bridge Vineyard
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Tasting notes
A blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 11% Malbec and 4% Cabernet Franc, the 2016 Apogee Pepper Bridge Vineyard opens to aromas of dark red fruit and dusty black fruit, balanced by soft red and purple flowers with sweet spice nuances floating on top of the glass. Medium to full-bodied, the wine is clean and correct, with a food-friendly expression and tannins gripping the gumline. The wine lingers with a mixed berry compote and brown baking spice-flavored finish. 1,320 cases produced. It’s a beautiful wine.
Critic scores
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James Suckling
Jeb Dunnuck
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The 2016 Apogee Pepper Bridge Vineyard comes all from the Pepper Bridge Vineyard in Walla Walla and is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 11% Malbec, and 4% Cabernet Franc raised in 50% new French oak. Its saturated purple color is followed by a nuanced, layered bouquet of crème de cassis, spiced black raspberries, graphite, spring flowers, and classy oak. It's rich, medium to full-bodied, concentrated, and in need of 3-5 years of bottle age. It's a brilliant wine that will see it 20th birthday in fine form.
Tons of cherries, redcurrants and wild herbs make the nose of this totally distinctive red blend really exciting. The palate more than confirms this impression with a stunning balance of freshness, vibrant fruit and focused power, through the long, sleek and complex finish. A blend of 60 per cent cabernet sauvignon, 25 per cent merlot, 11 per cent malbec and four per cent cabernet franc. Try to wait until at least 2021.