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L'Ecole No. 41 2010 'Perigee,' Seven Hills Vineyard, Walla Walla Valley

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Item Number: 6707

UPC: 0721354200419

Country: USA
Region: Oregon Sub Region: Columbia Valley
Appellation/AVA: Walla Walla Valley
Estate Grown Wine: Yes
Vineyard Designation: Seven Hills Vineyard
Vintage: 2010
Grape(s): 60% Cabernet Sauvignon / 15% Merlot / 10% Cabernet Franc / 10% Malbec / 5% Petit Verdot
Type: Wine - Red
Bottle Size: 750ml Pack: 6
Closure: Cork
Alc by Vol(%): 14.5
Total Acidity: 6.4
pH: 3.73
Soil Type: Wind-blown loess
Case Production: 1,110


Winemaker Notes: "Our Estate Perigee captures the essence of Seven Hills Vineyard’s characteristic rich elegance, seductive aromas and earthy structure. L’Ecole has been producing wines from Seven Hills Vineyard since 1993. We hand-select our oldest and most distinguished blocks to produce this stunning, flagship wine."

About Seven Hills Vineyard: L’Ecole N o 41 is a partner in the 230 acre acclaimed Seven Hills Vineyard, which is planted in wind-blown loess of geologically young and mineral rich soils. Originally planted in 1981, this Certified Sustainable and Certified Salmon Safe vineyard was recognized as one of the Ten Great Vineyards of the World by Wine & Spirits Magazine.

Vintage Notes: 2010 was one of the coolest growing years in Washington State in memorable history. While this presented many challenges, in the end it proved to be one of the most promising vintages in a decade. A cool and wet spring set the stage for a later than normal bud break with a light set during bloom in June. In July lower than normal berry weight growth contributed to significantly lower yields. Veraison was delayed, right in line with the cool 1999 growing season, one of Washington’s star vintages. A prolonged and welcome Indian summer delivered higher than normal temperatures and sunshine during all of October. Higher natural acidity, longer hang-time and concentrated fruit from low yields resulted in brilliant color, flavor intensity and overall balance.

Winemaking Notes: Each lot was hand harvested ripe and gently crushed into 1.5 and 5 ton open- topped stainless steel fermenters. Gentle handling of the fruit through hand punch downs and gravity assisted movements were utilized throughout the entire winemaking process. The wine was cleanly racked to 100% small French oak barrels, 50% new, with five rackings over 22 months.

Tasting Notes: Perigee exemplifies this vineyard’s characteristic cedary, black cherry, richly structured elegance. Vibrant aromas of baking spice, blueberry, plum and fresh floral notes are accented with earthy minerality, exuding power and grace on a chalky tannin finish.

Reviews
L'Ecole No. 41 2010 'Perigee,' Seven Hills Vineyard, Walla Walla Valley
Rating: 92(+?)

Full, deep ruby-red. Enticing high-toned aromas of currant, blackberry, dark cherry, coffee, mocha and subtle spices. Sweet, spicy and concentrated on the palate, offering lovely tension to the dark fruit and mocha flavors. Impressive density and medicinal reserve here for aging. Suave, balanced and deep, finishing with noble building tannins and terrific length. Very classy wine: an outstanding vintage for this bottling.

- International Wine Cellar (12/1/2013)

L'Ecole No. 41 2010 'Perigee,' Seven Hills Vineyard, Walla Walla Valley
Rating: 94

(Cellar Selection) A five-grape Bordeaux-style blend from the estate vineyard, this has lovely aromatics, as well as firm yet supple tannins. The black fruits are dotted with details of licorice, black tea and coffee. It’s smooth and balanced through the lengthy finish, and continues to improve overnight, suggesting it also has serious aging potential.

- The Wine Enthusiast (9/1/2013)

L'Ecole No. 41 2010 'Perigee,' Seven Hills Vineyard, Walla Walla Valley
Rating: 92

Rich and expressive, this offers a dense, multilayered mouthful of tarry blackberry, roasted fig, licorice and spice flavors that persist. Fine-grained tannins wrap the finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot. Best from 2015 through 2020.

- The Wine Spectator (7/24/2013)

L'Ecole No. 41 2010 'Perigee,' Seven Hills Vineyard, Walla Walla Valley
Rating: 93

One of the estate-s single vineyard releases that focuses on the Seven Hills Vineyard that-s located in the southwestern part of the Walla Walla Valley, the 2010 Perigee Estate Seven Hills Vineyard is comprised of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, 10% Malbec and 5% Petit Verdot. Spending 22 months in 50% new French oak, it-s a knockout effort that has full-bodied richness and depth as well as beautifully complex aromas and flavors of black cherries, raspberry, spice box, underbrush and toast. Concentrated, layered and with plenty of ripe tannin, it needs 2-3 years of bottle age and will drink beautifully through 2025. Drink 2016-2025.

- The Wine Advocate (6/1/2013)