L’Ecole Apogee Pepper Bridge Vineyard 2019 – Walla Walla Valley, Washington

Here we have a true iconic wine from America’s most prestigious wine regions. L’Ecole Apogee Pepper Bridge Vineyard 2019 is the essence of the Walla Walla Valley: powerful, elegant and with impressive depth. A wine that balances American generosity with classic, almost European finesse – and speaks directly to wine lovers looking for something special.

The grapes come from the legendary Pepper Bridge Vineyard, known for its mineral-rich soils and the perfect interplay between warm days and cool nights. The result is wines with intense fruit, freshness and a distinctive structure. Apogee is the house’s top wine and a clear statement of how high Washington State can go.

The blend consists of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 10% Malbec and 5% Cabernet Franc. It’s a classic Bordeaux-inspired blend that here takes on a uniquely American expression with juiciness, complexity and layers upon layers of flavor.

Tasting notes

Aroma: Intense and inviting with blackcurrant, blackberry and dark cherry. Elegant notes of cedar, graphite and freshly ground pepper, rounded off by mocha and subtle roasted barrel nuances.

Flavor: Full-bodied and velvety with ripe dark fruit, firm structure and silky tannins. The flavor builds beautifully and leads to a long, harmonious and elegant finish.

Food & ageing: Perfect with beef, lamb, game and hearty dishes – or with mature cheeses. Can be enjoyed now, but also has ageing potential.

History of the house

Founded in 1983 by the Ferguson family, L’Ecole No 41 is housed in a historic school building – hence the name, where L’Ecole means “school” in French.

Today, the winery is run by the third generation with the same uncompromising focus on quality, terroir and sustainability. L’Ecole is certified under LIVE – Low Input Viticulture and Enology, which emphasizes the house’s respect for nature and long-term craftsmanship.

Apogee represents the culmination of more than four decades of experience and is clear proof of the Walla Walla Valley’s enormous potential. A wine of absolute excellence – intense, complex and unforgettable.

• Type: Red wine
• Region: Walla Walla Valley, Washington State
• Grape composition: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc
• Vintage: 2019
• Alcohol content: 14.5%
• Content: 75 cl.
• Contains: Sulfites