A Cabernet-dominated, Bordeaux-style blend, this peppery red has a complex mix of earth and spice scents around tart red fruit. Notes of toast and cinnamon, sharp acidity, and tannins with residual green tea flavors keep the finish interesting. ——P.G.(11/1/2011)—— 91

The fruit for the 2007 Apogee Pepper Bridge Vineyard matured 2 weeks later than the Seven Hills fruit. It is an almost identical blend with the exception of 6% Malbec and 4% Cabernet Franc and was aged in 50% new oak. Aromas of toasty oak, tobacco, leather, Asian spices, black currant, and black cherry leads to a more structured offering that will require 4-6 years of cellaring. Well-balanced, intense, and mouth-filling, it will amply reward those with patience. L’Ecole No. 41, under the leadership of Marty Clubb, 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 is about to outgrow the charming label which may have contributed to its fame. Be that as it may, L’Ecole now produces about 35,000 cases with distribution in all 50 states and abroad. Despite the expansion, quality has remained consistently excellent as has pricing, no doubt the main reason why L’Ecole seems to have survived the recession without too much pain.Tel. (509) 525-0940; www.lecole.com

First to arrive, straight to your awaiting nose, are complex aromatics, with a mix of floral and spicy highlights that surround the black and purple fruits with exotic nuances. The fruit is nigh perfect—ripe, round, forward and loaded with plummy, sweet berries. It gathers strength in the core, holds, and then expands into a finish dusted with cocoa and coffee. ——P.G.(12/1/2010)—— 91