Simply stated, Perigee exemplifies
elegance, the essence of our Estate
Seven Hills Vineyard. A blend of cabernet sauvignon,
merlot and cabernet franc, it shows smooth, silky red cherry and
blackberry fruit, with rich floral and spicy aromas of cinnamon and
mocha on a vivid, earthy mineral finish.
Given the distinctive differences between
Pepper Bridge Vineyard and Seven Hills Vineyard,
it only seemed appropriate to name this wine Perigee.
We were intrigued by the reference in the definition,
of “being near the earth,” as one of this wine’s
characteristic attributes is an earthy structure. Secondly,
the vineyard is managed with environmentally sound
and sustainable practices.
| Wine maker notes |
First planted: 1981
Elevation:
900 – 1,185 feet
Aspect: Northwest slope
Soil: Wind blown
glacial loess, geologically
young and rich in minerals.
Very free-draining.
Average rainfall:
8 – 9 inches
Temp: Slightly warmer site
with harvest starting as
many as 10 days earlier than
other valley vineyard sites
Wind: High, predominantly
southwest, adding
to plant stress |
| Other text |
| Seven Hills Vineyard, planted
in the wind-blown glacial loess of geologically young,
mineral rich soils, is one of the Walla Walla Valley’s
most acclaimed vineyards.
With the expansion of the vineyard in the 1990’s,
L’Ecole No 41 became a vineyard partner with
Leonetti Cellar and Pepper Bridge Winery. In June
2004 Wine & Spirits Magazine named it “One of
Ten Great Vineyards in the World.”
The unique features of Seven Hills Vineyard contribute significantly to the vineyard’s
characteristic rich elegance, earthy structure,
seductive aromas and complex, silky finish.
As our Estate vineyard, producing more
than a third of our total production, we felt it
only fitting to hand-select our oldest and most
distinguished blocks to produce Perigee, a wine
as exceptional as the vineyard. |
