A few weeks ago, the L'Ecole No 41 winery gave me a wine tasting kit with a bottle of the 2018 Seven Hills Vineyard Perigee and five bottles of the blend's components, one each of Cabernet Sauvignon (50% of the blend), Merlot (16%), Cabernet Franc (16%), Malbec (9%) and Petit Verdot (9%). The component samples were drawn prior to blending of the 2018 Perigee and thus did not have the additional barrel aging that the final product had.

Yesterday (August 17), I had my friend Philippe Michel, who has considerable wine industry experience, join me for a tasting of the above wines. The wines were decanted, as recommended, and poured into six glasses, one for each wine. Tasting sheets were provided, with descriptors of what each variety "May contribute."  Here are my notes for each wine.

Cabernet Sauvignon (50%) 5.31 acres, Blocks 2 (planted 1997) & 13 (1998) - Deep ruby color, rich, smoky nose of blackberry, cherry, currant, sandalwood, incense with dark fruits imbued with cacao, earth and a long finish. Adds body and structure to the blend.

Merlot (16%) 4.2 acres, Blocks 6 (1997) and 15 (1998) - Deep ruby, it possesses rich aromas of red fruits, orange peel, stick incense. The flavors are polished and elegant with notes of blackberry, cherry and vanilla, followed by a long finish. Adds approachability and silkiness. 

Cabernet Franc (16%) 1.56 acres, Block BA (1997) - Shows a deep ruby color, and aromas of red fruits - raspberry, strawberry - and herbs, and rich, chewy flavors, marked by earth and gravel, sweet tobacco and mocha.  Adds earth and herb notes.

Malbec (9%) 1.37 acres, Block 32 (2006) - Purple-crimson colored, this shows typical varietal aromas of boysenberry, blueberry, mint, cracked pepper, with copious fruit flavors followed by a long, sweetish vanilla and spice finish. Adds body and richness. 

Petit Verdot (9%) 1.52 acres, Block 31 (2006) - Semi opaque ruby-crimson, this emits perfumed aromas, cherry, plum, lilac and incense. The flavors are bold, yet velvety, with dark fruits intermixed with licorice, cocoa and tilled earth, followed by a sturdy yet velvety finish. Adds color, elegance and structure. 

2018 Perigee (Final Blend) - Deep ruby colored, this possesses rich aromas of blackberry, cherry, plum, crushed roses, lilac, tobacco, sandalwood, olive and stick incense. The flavors are forceful, yet refined, with layers of dark fruits that are intermixed with licorice, dark cocoa, French roast, basalt and tilled earth. The back reveals macerated fruits, roasted nuts, mocha, graphite and vanillin, followed by a long, sweet-dry tannin finish. 

Philippe and I tried creating our own blends. He mixed 40% Cabernet Sauvignon with 30% each of Merlot and Cab Franc. I tried a "Cab-Cab" - 50% each of Sauvignon and Franc. But we agreed the L'Ecole blenders had the percentages about right.

The 2018 Perigee was reviewed in the December 2021 issue of the Review of Washington Wines with a score of 19.5/20 points - Highly Recommended with detailed notes which indicate considerable complexity and depth. At $57 a bottle it offers an extraordinary quality/price ratio.

Wine Deal of the Week

This week's deal also comes from L'Ecole No 41. The Winery is offering a "Beat the Heat" deal on the 2021 Chenin Blanc and Grenache Rose with $10 shipping in Cool Packs ($18 a bottle for split cases). Here are abbreviated reviews from the May 2022 issue.

2021 L'Ecole No 41 Grenache Rosé, Horse Heaven Hills. Alder Ridge Vineyard ($22) - Brilliant copper-tinged, this possesses enticing aromas of strawberry, pomegranate, watermelon and tangerine, with scents of rose petals and pink lavender. The flavors are fresh and bright, with a nicely juiced dry finish. Lynn - 3 of 3 stars. 19/20 points.

2021 L'Ecole No 41 "Old Vines" Chenin Blanc, Yakima Valley ($18) - From vines planted in the 1970's this presents a lemon-gold color and floral aromas pf pear. peach melon, pear blossoms, jasmine and clover, with fresh yellow fruits that are accented by grape and pear skins and saline minerals, followed by nicely fruits, lightly spiced finish. 18.5/20 points.