From: Walla Walla, Washington
Varietals: 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc, 6% Malbec, 4% Petit Verdot
Tasting Notes and Critical Acclaim: Perigee epitomizes this estate vineyard’s distinctive cedar and beautiful dark cherry, framed by a structured elegance. It explodes with pretty aromas of spiced cassis and boysenberry, along with tobacco leaf, pencil lead, and cola that are lifted by notes of spring flowers, sage, anise, and thyme. The finish is complex with silky tannins.
“The 2020 ‘Perigee’ was entirely sourced from the Seven Hills Vineyard. Mostly Cabernet Sauvignon (54%) with 24% Merlot and the remainder Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot and Malbec, this was stored in 40% new French oak barrels before bottling. Sandalwood notes combine with Asian spice and rich dark currants with dark chocolate shavings on the nose. The palate is fresh and rich with great tension and flavor density. Just like the 2020 ‘Apogee’ this beautiful Bordeaux style wine really needs about two hours in the decanter to fully get going. Drink 2023-2030.” —Owen Bargreen, 95 points (September 2023)
“The 2020 Perigee Estate Seven Hills Vineyard comes all from the estate Seven Hills Vineyard and checks in as a blend of 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc, 6% Malbec, and 4% Petit Verdot. It offers a pretty mix of red and blue fruits as well as chalky minerality, spring flowers, and lead pencil, with a more perfumed, slightly high-toned style that opens up nicely with time in the glass. This medium to full-bodied, pure, elegant 2020 has ripe tannins, a good sense of freshness, and outstanding length.” —Jeb Dunnuck, 93 points (May 2023)
“Attractive aromas of ripe blackberries and cassis-liquor, together with notes of hazelnut chocolate, spice box and overturned earth. So dense and meaty, with full body and a velvety texture. The tannins are ripe and refined, yet still tight, and need some time to mellow. Its big and wide on the palate. Complex and lingering. 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc, 6% Malbec and 4% Petit Verdot. Drink from 2026.” —James Suckling, 93 points (May 2023)
“Grippy tannins, crisp acidity and a chew toy of a texture. Its aromas of blueberry pancakes with powdered sugar, cofee and a bouquet of Hidcote lavender and lilacs is like a Mother’s Day breakfast scene. The favors of dark chocolate-coated blackberries and balsa are equally compelling.” —Michael Alberty, Wine Enthusiast, 92 points (October 2023)
“Perhaps the warmest of these three Cabernet blends, this one leads with a peppery spice, hints of tar and plum skin. The flavors are firm and concentrated, the red fruit marker for Seven Hills fruit expressed as leathery dried strawberry. It’s a bit inscrutable with its mass and density, powerful and youthful.” —Patrick Comiskey, Wine & Spirits, 92 points (October 2023)
Pairing: Structured, classically opulent, rich red wines from the US are benchmarks for iconic pairings. Dishes that feature dry-aged steaks (like dry-aged USDA prime ribeye), homemade burgers, grilled portobello’s, bacon-wrapped dates, roasts, and braises are all fantastic candidates for the perfect pair. We recommend enjoying this classic, award-winning Washington red with Sam Sifton's five-star rated recipe for Portobello Patty Melts.
About. Founded in 1983 in the Walla Walla Valley, L'Ecole No 41 is one of Washington State's most iconic and oldest family-owned wineries. Housed in the historic Frenchtown School depicted on their label, they have earned international acclaim for producing the highest quality distinctive wines. They craft ultra-premium wines that reflect the unmistakable typicity of Washington State and the unique terroir of their Walla Walla Valley vineyards.
Growing and making 100% of their wines, each bottle is handcrafted with a commitment to quality in the vineyards and the winery. Over three decades of winemaking experience, ongoing investments in their Walla Walla Estate Ferguson and Seven Hills Vineyards, and long-term relationships with many of the most prominent vineyards in Washington State are central to their well-known reputation for quality and consistency across their wine portfolio. These tenets will continue to sustain L'Ecole well into the future.
L'Ecole is one of the most honored wineries in Washington State. They are proud to be recognized by Wine & Spirits Magazine as a Top 100 Winery of the Year for fourteen consecutive years. In 2014, Decanter awarded their 2011 Estate Ferguson the International Trophy for Best Bordeaux Blend in the World! 2016 the 2013 Ferguson won the International Trophy for Best New World Bordeaux Blend from the Six Nations Wine Challenge.
L’Ecole N° 41 is a partner in the 170-acre acclaimed Seven Hills Vineyard, which is planted in wind-blown loess of geologically young and mineral rich soils. One of the most renowned vineyards of Walla Walla, Seven Hills is Certified Sustainable and Salmon Safe and was recognized as one of the Ten Great Vineyards of the World by Wine & Spirits Magazine. This Bordeaux-style blend is an expression of the 2020 vintage of L’Ecole no.41’s holdings in the Seven Hills vineyard.
Each lot was hand-harvested ripe, and gently crushed into 1.5-ton open-topped stainless-steel fermenters. Gentle handling of the fruit through punch-downs (by hand) and gravity-assisted movements was utilized throughout the entire winemaking process. The wine was cleanly racked to small French oak barrels, 40% new, and barrel aged for 22 months.