2016 L’Ecole No 41 Perigee
Seven Hills Vineyard,
Walla Walla Valley,
Columbia Valley,
Washington
14.5% alcohol
Cork closure
1350 cases produced
L’Ecole No 41 has been making wine with fruit from the Seven Hills Vineyard since 1993, so they’re pretty familiar with it! Perigee, their flagship wine, is a red blend composed of 52% Cabernet sauvignon, 21% Merlot, 11% Cabernet franc, 9% Petit Verdot, and 7% Malbec. August and September in 2016 were quite mild in Walla Walla, allowing the fruit to ripen slowly and evenly. This weather is perfect for retaining the grapes’ natural acidity and keeping the alcohol levels in check.
Color:
Opaque black cherry red
Bouquet:
Black fruit aromas of blackberries, black raspberries, and black plums eventually invite in earthy notes of cedar, cigar box, and almonds.
Palate:
Black fruit from the bouquet takes center stage in my mouth– blackberries, black plums, and black cherries– all dramatically cloaked in generous acidity. Prominent tannins mingle with notes of vanilla and cedar in this fuller-bodied red blend. Finally, cherry cola and hints of black licorice make an entrance before eloquently moving into a long, spicy finish.
Food pairing suggestions:
Barbecue chicken pizza, tomahawk steak, lentil soup with quinoa and mushrooms.
SRP $54
Call the winery to buy this vintage since it’s not available for purchase on their website. Or order some bottles of the 2017 vintage online today!
To buy L’Ecole No 41 wine or learn more about the winery, be sure to visit their website and follow them on social media:
Don’t miss our other L’Ecole No 41 articles:
Why Wine? interview with winemaker Marcus Rafanelli
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About the Author: Michele Francisco
