2005 L'Ecole No 41 Apogee Pepper Bridge Vineyard
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Tasting notes
Morello cherry, smooth but a little light on the mid palate although the primary fruit just about makes up for it. (RH)
Critic scores
Average Score
Richard Hemming MW, jancisrobinson.com
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
(a blend of 45% each merlot and cabernet sauvignon, 7% malbec and 3% cabernet franc) Good bright, deep red-ruby. Claret-like aromas of tobacco and lead pencil. Broad but dry and quite closed today, with its fruit very much in the background. I don't find as much flavor here as in the Perigee. Tannins are a touch dry and austere.
The 2005 Apogee Pepper Bridge Vineyard is 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, 7% Malbec, and 3% Cabernet Franc. Saturated purple-colored, it has a slightly brooding nose of pain grille, pencil lead, spice box, and assorted black fruits. It is the most structured of the L’Ecole reds with darker fruit and greater aging potential. Drink this superb effort between 2015 and 2030. L’Ecole No. 41 is one of Walla Walla’s pioneers, the third modern day winery in the Valley. Over the years the winery has prospered, outgrown the namesake schoolhouse, and now produces about 35,000 cases with distribution in all 50 states and abroad. Despite the expansion, quality has remained consistently excellent. L’Ecole’s original fame was the result of its success with Semillon. Today the winery produces three. Tel. (509) 525-0940; www.lecole.com