Marty Clubb’s inaugural Pepper Bridge Vineyard-focused Apogee stemmed from the 1993 vintage — a decade after his in-laws – iconic figures in the Walla Walla Valley — founded L’Ecole No. 41. And history looks back as the ’93 Apogee as the first wine to emerge from Norm McKibben’s now-famous vineyard. This Left Bank-inspired approach was farmed at 3.2 tons per acre and carries an immense presence, led by Cabernet Sauvignon (60%) and supported by Merlot (25%), Malbec (11%) and Cabernet Franc, and while it is always built for the long haul, this example already offers enjoyment. It’s packed with dark red fruit, resolved tannins and complex touches of lavender, raspberry leaf and rose petal. This earned a gold medal last year at Walla Walla Valley Wine Competition, a scholarship fundraiser for The Institute of Enology and Viticulture at Walla Walla Community College.
Rating: Outstanding!
Production: 1,320 cases
Alcohol: 14.5%
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