L'Ecole 41 Pepper Bridge Vineyard Apogee 2016

Professional Ratings

• 95 Jeb Dunnuck
  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.
• 94 Wine & Spirits
  The 2016 Apogee is a blend of 60 percent cabernet sauvignon and 25 percent merlot, the rest malbec and cabernet franc. The cabernet gives the wine some heft while the merlot and other varieties seem to open it—saving it from becoming monolithic and overly compact. This has the scent of Mexican chocolate, spiced mocha and tobacco leaf, the flavor backed by a subtle sweetness, a deep core of plum and fig that mingles effortlessly with the spice notes. It’s a splendid achievement; for ribs.
• 94 James Suckling
  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.
• 91 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

  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. It’s a beautiful wine. Rating: 91+

• 91 Decanter

  A vivid, poised wine with classicism to its Bordeaux blend. Juicy, bright redcurrant, blackcurrant and bramble fruit with earthy scents.

• 90 Wine Enthusiast
  Cabernet Sauvignon (60%) and Merlot (25%) make up the heart of this wine, with the rest Malbec and Cabernet Franc. The aromas intrigue, with notes of fresh and dried herbs, cherry cordial, plum, coffee, vanilla, barrel spice and whiffs of orange peel. The palate paints around the edges, with quite firm tannins flowing down the middle. Bright acidity accents it. Coffee notes linger on the finish. It doesn't all work in concert at present. Additional time in the bottle will serve it well. Best after 2025.
  Cellar Selection