The 2003 Apogee – Pepper Bridge Vineyard is 47% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, 5% Malbec, and 3% Cabernet Franc. It was aged for 22 months in 60% new French oak and was bottled unfined and unfiltered. Dark ruby-colored, it offers up fragrant floral, clove, and leather components as well as lots of cassis and black raspberry. This is followed by a tasty, spicy wine with forward fruit, light tannins, and excellent flavors. It can be enjoyed now and will drink well through 2022. Tel. (509) 525-0940, www.lecole.com

L’Ecole’s other Bordeaux blend features Pepper Bridge fruit, divided almost equally between Merlot (45%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (47%), with Cab Franc and Malbec filling out the rest. All the right pieces are in place—scents and flavors of light cherry, pretty chocolate, hints of dill and herb, and a sprinkle of coffee. But it’s still jagged and unresolved; give it another year. ——P.G.(8/1/2006)—— 90