Previously known as Grand Rêve, Force Majeure was founded in 2004 by Paul McBride and Ryan Johnson. Force Majeure pairs some of Washington’s highly acclaimed winemakers with fruit from one of Washington’s highly acclaimed vineyards, Ciel du Cheval. The winemakers contributing to the Collaboration Series is a Who’s Who of Washington winemakers including Ben Smith, Carolyn Lakewold, Chris Gorman, James Mantone, Mark McNeilly, Mike McMorran and Ross Mickel.
100% Viognier. 70% Force Majeure and 30% Ciel du Cheval vineyards. Aged in concrete and neutral French oak. Made by Mike Macmorran of Mark Ryan and Manu Propria. Golden in color. 14.3% alcohol. Aromas of tropical fruits, flowers, stones and spice. Lush and creamy with a touch of acidity. Pear, citrus, lemon and apricots on the palate. The finish is long and spicy. I prefer the ’10 version and need to revisit the ’12 soon. Drink over the next 1-2 years.
My rating: 89 points.
Force Majeure warrants your attention and (as I write this) the winery is still accepting names for their mailing list.
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