The 2005 Perigee Seven Hills Vineyard is 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, and 8% Cabernet Franc aged in 50% new oak. Dark ruby/purple-colored, it has an alluring perfume of violets, wood smoke, spice box, black currant and blackberry liqueur. Elegant and seamless on the palate, it has superb depth, concentration, and spicy, savory flavors. Give it 4-6 years and drink it from 2012 to 2025. 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

From the oldest vines in the Seven Hills vineyard, this is lush and thick in the mouth. A power-packed, evocative Bordeaux blend, it features tightly knit and layered black fruits, augmented with subtle barrel flavors, earth and herb. The balance is beautifully managed; firm acids balance out the still-chewy tannins, and hints of pepper and herb add just the right spicy highlights.——P.G.(5/1/2008)—— 91