Kyle Lockhart

9.2

So much depth and character. Supple mouthfeel and rich velvety flavors. A true pleasure to drink — 8 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.2

The 14 is a blend of 77% Merlot, 16% Cabernet Franc & 7% Merlot. Nose of; ruby dark cassis, blackberries, black plum, dark cherries, black raspberries, hues of blue fruits, pepper and liquid violets. The mouthfeel is lush & ruby. M+ body & M+ tannins. Blackberries, dark cherries, black plum, black raspberries and hues of blue fruits. Crushed rocks, soft leather, dry herbs, underbrush, loamy soil powder, notes of cigar, violets, dark florals, nice acidity and beautifully round, lush finish with sex appeal. Photos of; an aerial view of Pepper Bridge, estate grapes going through veraison, Owner-Norm McKibben, and ground shot of the estate. Producer notes and history...Norm McKibben is one of founding fathers of Walla Walla's wine industry. To his good friends and colleagues, he is better know as "Stormin' Norman." In Norm's 30 plus years in Walla Walla, the valley has evolved from a 40 vineyard acres to an appellation with more than 2,800 acres under vine. A good portion of the boom can be attributed to Norm even after coming to the game late after working for several decades as an engineer in the construction industry. Not wanting to retire after, he moved to Walla Walla to become an apple farmer. In 1989, he realized Walla Walla's potential for grape growing. Norm planted his first vineyard with help from his wife, Virginia and their eldest son, Shane. Two years later, Norm added Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. These vines soon became the backbone of Pepper Bridge. Not long after he expanded his business and resume further. Norm got involved in the budding wine industry. He served as a partner and director at Canoe Ridge Vineyards, Hogue Cellars and worked with a number of Walla Walla's leading vintners. In 1996, he partnered with Gary Figgins of Leonetti Cellar and Marty Clubb of L'Ecole No. 41. At this point, McKibben had increased his vineyard holdings to 200 acres. In 1998, Norm officially started Pepper Bridge Winery. Today, Pepper Bridge Winery is a benchmark property in Walla Walla and Norm is an icon of the industry. He manages and consults for more than 600 acres of the top vineyard sites in Walla Walla; Pepper Bridge, Seven Hills and Les Collines. Norm also has introduced state of the art irrigation systems, soil moisture temperature monitoring equipment and sustainable farming techniques. Norm is a big believer in sustainable viticulture. All of his vineyards are certified sustainable by VINEA, the Walla Walla Valley's Sustainable Trust, and LIVE, an Oregon-based sustainable viticulture organization. They are also certified Salmon Safe and are monitored by the IOBC, the international body responsible for setting sustainability standards. In 1998, the Washington Association of Wine Grape Growers honored Norm as "Grape Grower of the Year." That same year, he was appointed chair of the Washington Wine Commission and served in that position until retiring from the organization in 2001. If there is a Maverick of the Walla Walla wine producers, it would be Norm. — 9 years ago

Amy Feldman

9.0

Really enjoyed this full bodied wine for todd's birthday dinner at L'ecole — 11 years ago

William Meyers

9.3

#L'Ecole #L'Erudite the scholar 2008 big rich vanilla fruit blackberries - great! — 11 years ago

James Guarascio

10

A truly formidable white. It's not too dry, and slightly fruity. For a white, it's a bit on the pricier side but definitely worth it. A must try. — 11 years ago

Michael Wangbickler CWE DipWSET

President Drink Local Wine Inc, Educator Discover Wine & Spirits Academy

9.2

Great wine at @blueacreseafood. — 12 years ago

Marcus Maroney

10

Aged semillon is the best. — 12 years ago

Sam Zavari

8.9

Great aromatics, nice tropical palate. $20 — 13 years ago

Michelle Maier

9.4

Kalamata olives, cherry, and cured meats. Beautiful, full bodied and everything that’s good about a Merlot — 8 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

8.9

Citrus lemon/ lime zest blend, a touch of green apple, melon, pineapple, soft minerals, powdery chalkiness, bright acidity and a round polished finish. — 9 years ago

Andy Heath

9.8

Fantastic cherry, blackberry w hint of smoke — 9 years ago

Patricia Schnitzer

8.9

May 10, 2016. Lunch wine, day 2 l'Ecole du Vin. 70% merlot, 10% each Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, & Petit Verdot. Well balanced lovely — 10 years ago

Amy Feldman

9.2

Second course at L'Ecole - favorite wine of the night — 11 years ago

Jonathan Tharp

9.1

2012 vintage- nice pepper/oak/fruit on the nose and great firm structure. Could bottle age or drink now. Would love to try it in another couple years. — 11 years ago

Natalie Tackett

9.0

Amazing, big Merlot. Very well developed. Fruit, spice and earthiness/tobacco on the nose, super leggy, beautiful color, velvety on the tongue-with a licorice finish (interesting to me). Gets better the more it breathes. Swirl often. — 11 years ago

Noah Carlson

9.6

Noah had this 12 years ago

Marcus Maroney

9.5

Red mountain ftw. — 12 years ago

with Mike

Jc Ernsd

9.0

Smooth red. — 13 years ago

dan boedeker

9.1

First to rate this wine. Received when staying at the Marcus Whitman hotel. Merlot dominant blend, with Cab, Cab Franc and Petite Verdot. Made by L'Ecole. Fruit forward and enjoyable table wine. A good reminder of a great trip. — 9 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.0

L'Ecole means "The School" for those of you French challenged. On the nose, dark currants, smoke, grilled meats, black licorice anise, white pepper, milk & dark chocolate, dry powdery soil with stones & dark decayed flowers. The palate is rich & thick. Dark currants, blackberries, dark cherries, black plum, strawberries after it opens up, dark chocolate, mocha, caramel, violets, dark flowers, dry stones with dry top soil, grilled meats, pepper & black licorice anise. Still quite big...needs time to develop. Good round acidity and lush, sexy long finish. — 9 years ago

Hanif Perry

9.2

Great blend from Washington. Enjoyable. Bordeaux style. — 10 years ago

Richard Steinberg

9.3

Would have loved to spend more time with this sophisticated Beauty. — 10 years ago

with John

Rachael Hancock

9.0

Great walla walla wine — 11 years ago

Marcus Maroney

9.4

Another stunning semillon — 11 years ago

with Mike

Tara Jacob

10

Château la Garde - Pessac-Léognan, France 2006

L'ecole No. 41 - Columbia Valley, Washington 2012

Grand Bateau - Bordeaux, France 2011 — 12 years ago

Alina Ferguson

10

Oh how I wish I could have walked out with a case of this... #delicious #winelover — 12 years ago

Dave Lee

9.6

w fam. L'ecole. — 13 years ago

Ryan Gerhardt

9.4

$50 at Brasserie L'ecole — 13 years ago

with Stephanie