The 2006 Apogee Pepper Bridge Vineyard is 46% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot, 8% Malbec, and 4% Cabernet Franc. A saturated purple color, it has a brooding nose of sandalwood, pencil lead, spice box, and assorted black fruits. It is the most concentrated, complex, and intense of the L’Ecole reds with darker, layered fruit and greater aging potential. Drink this superb effort between 2015 and 2031. 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.Tel. (509) 525-0940; www.lecole.com

The companion Bordeaux blend to L’Ecole’s Perigee, the Apogee seems softer and fruitier in 2006 than in previous vintages, with pretty raspberry and strawberry fruit, hints of herb, and fresh acidity. ——P.G.(11/1/2009)—— 88