Item Number: 7021 UPC: 0721354200136

Country: USA
Region: Washington Sub Region: Columbia Valley
Appellation/AVA: Walla Walla Valley
Vineyard Designation: Pepper Bridge Vineyard
Vintage: 2010
Grape(s): 56% Cabernet Sauvignon / 33% Merlot / 7% Malbec / 4% Cabernet Franc
Type: Wine - Red
Bottle Size: 750ml Pack: 6
Closure: Cork
Case Production: 1315
Alc by Vol(%): 14.5
Total Acidity: 6.3 g/L
pH: 3.72
Vineyard Notes: Pepper Bridge Vineyard, planted in the terraced remnants of ice age flood deposits, is one of the Walla Walla Valley’s most reputable vineyards. Apogee was the first wine produced from this Certified Sustainable and Certified Salmon Safe vineyard. 

Vintage Notes: 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 ton 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: This bold, sophisticated and complex wine has dark, aromas of black cherry, cassis and cola nut, with hints of sweet tobacco. Dense dark fruit is wrapped in nuances of cocoa and mint with firm tannins on a persistent finish.