Nose
The 2017 Perigee exemplifies this vineyard’s characteristic cedar and charm, framed within a classy, structured elegance. Deep ruby in color with complex aromas of black raspberry, ripe blackberry, and cedar.
Palate
With enticing herbal flavors, Perigee shows expressive cocoa, dark fruit, and earth on the palate, underpinned by appealing minerality. This full-flavored, balanced wine is completed by a generous finish.
Growing Conditions
L'Ecole No 41 is a partner in the 170 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 Salmon Safe vineyard was recognized as one of the Ten Great Vineyards of the world by Wine & Spirits Magazine.
Harvest
Perfectly dry harvest weather extended hang-time resulting in rich color and vibrant fruit flavors, another great vintage for Washington State. A late bud-break in mid-April was followed by a warm May with rapid canopy growth. A quick, even bloom set a uniform crop. A cool June contributed to healthy berry growth. July and early August were warm, with occasional heat spikes. Canopies were managed to avoid sunburn and irrigation was micromanaged. Intense cluster thinning was required to control yields. Veraison tracked 2017 in Walla Walla and was slightly ahead in other regions of the state. A brief rainfall shifted early September into cooler weather leading to two months of near-perfect weather conditions for final fruit maturity. Higher sugars were balanced against higher acid levels and wonderfully intense color and tannin extraction, big fruit flavors, and overall balanced structure. Another strong Washington vintage.
Bottling
Bottling Date: July 16, 2019
Winemaking
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, 40% new, with four rackings over 22 months.
