96pts James Suckling

This has a gorgeous nose of blackcurrants, sandalwood, cloves, violets, cracked pepper and black raspberries. It’s full-bodied, beautifully balanced and structured, with a firm, solid tannin frame and waves of black fruit and spice. Vibrant backbone of acidity. Firm and compact. 56% cabernet sauvignon, 28% merlot, 12% malbec and 4% cabernet franc. Try in 2026.

93pts Vinous

Shades of violet and lavender give way to ancient stones and orange-tinged blackberries as the 2020 Apogee Pepper Bridge Vineyard blossoms in the glass. This splashes across the palate with a refined blend of dark red and blue fruits, while a strong undercurrent of minerality adds a tactile edge toward the close. A mass of tart wild berry concentration mingles with grippy tannins, leaving the mouth watering for more. The 2020 finishes potent—structured for a long and steady evolution.

93pts Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The 2020 Apogee Pepper Bridge Vineyard blends 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, 12% Malbec and 4% Cabernet Franc. The nose is generously layered with fresh and complex aromas, featuring graphite, pencil shavings, spiced cherry compote, mocha and spiced cinnamon. At the same time, herbal notes and dusty plums subtly release from the glass. Full-bodied and with 14.5% alcohol, the palate offers complexity and layers, showcasing bitter dark chocolate, blackberry skin and fine-grained tannins. The wine ends with a firm and succulent finish that promises to remain food-friendly for over a decade. The wine aged in 100% French oak, with 40% new and barrel aged for 22 months. 14,400 bottles produced.

Winemaker Notes

This single-vineyard Bordeaux blend presents intense aromas of both black and red currants, classic peonies, and earth with subtle hints of graphite and mint. Flavors of mocha, nutmeg, and thyme are featured prominently on the elegantly structured frame. The palate is adorned with baking spices, wild berries, and fine-grained tannins that carry through to a robust and perfectly balanced finish.

L’Ecole N° 41 has been producing Pepper Bridge Vineyard Apogee since 1993. Apogee represents our best effort to capture this vineyard’s distinctive and characteristic spicy bold aromas, dark fruit flavors, robust tannins, and rich structure.

Blend: 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, 12% Malbec and 4% Cabernet Franc