2020 L'Ecole No 41 Apogee Pepper Bridge Vineyard
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Tasting notes
The 2020 Apogee Pepper Bridge Vineyard blends 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, 12% Malbec and 4% Cabernet Franc. The nose is generously layered with fresh and complex aromas, featuring graphite, pencil shavings, spiced cherry compote, mocha and spiced cinnamon. At the same time, herbal notes and dusty plums subtly release from the glass. Full-bodied and with 14.5% alcohol, the palate offers complexity and layers, showcasing bitter dark chocolate, blackberry skin and fine-grained tannins. The wine ends with a firm and succulent finish that promises to remain food-friendly for over a decade. The wine aged in 100% French oak, with 40% new and barrel aged for 22 months. 14,400 bottles produced.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Eric Guido, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Shades of violet and lavender give way to ancient stones and orange-tinged blackberries as the 2020 Apogee Pepper Bridge Vineyard blossoms in the glass. This splashes across the palate with a refined blend of dark red and blue fruits, while a strong undercurrent of minerality adds a tactile edge toward the close. A mass of tart wild berry concentration mingles with grippy tannins, leaving the mouth watering for more. The 2020 finishes potent—structured for a long and steady evolution.
Moving to the Bordeaux varietal releases, the 2020 Apogee Pepper Bridge Vineyard checks in as 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, 12% Malbec, and the rest Cabernet Franc. Its ruby/plum color is followed by a beautiful wine offering medium to full-bodied aromas and flavors of red and black currants, dried tobacco, loamy earth, and lead pencil shavings. Balanced, layered, and elegant on the palate, it has terrific tannins, a great mid-palate, and a great finish. It's a beautiful, elegant, seamless wine from this estate with tons to love. It's going to evolve for 15 years or more.