2021 L'Ecole No 41 Apogee Pepper Bridge Vineyard
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Tasting notes
The 2021 Apogee Pepper Bridge Vineyard opens with an whiff of graphite and dried flowers before releasing its perfumed mix of citrus-laced blackberries and clove. This is more lifted and graceful than expected, with crisp wild berry fruits and crunchy mineral tones. The 2021 takes on a spicy concentration, finishing with bitter licorice and dark chocolate. Tapering off long and structured yet still fresh, the balance here is notable. Nicely done.
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James Suckling
Jeb Dunnuck
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The 2021 Apogee Pepper Bridge Vineyard is a similar blend and checks in as 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, 12% Malbec, and 3% Cabernet Franc. It’s more inward and tighter, with some obvious oak as well as beautiful cassis and currant fruits that give way to more graphite, tobacco, and crushed stone-like minerality. It's medium to full-bodied, has terrific purity, and a layered, focused mouthfeel that will benefit from 2-4 years of bottle age. It shows the ripe yet not heavy style of the vintage beautifully.
Opulent black fruit and lavish oak spices combine seamlessly in this luxurious, velvety Bordeaux-style red blend. Fine-grained tannins cradle blackcurrant, black cherry, cinnamon and a hint of oak char for a full, complex expression. 54% cabernet sauvignon, 31% merlot, 12% malbec and 3% cabernet franc. Best from 2028.