Force Majeure was founded in 2004 by Paul McBride and made its name pairing some of Washington’s highly acclaimed winemakers with fruit from one of Washington’s highly acclaimed vineyards, Ciel du Cheval. The winery recently transitioned from Collaboration wines to Estate wines. Todd Alexander, formerly of Bryant Family Vineyards, is the winemaker for the Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Tempranillo. Force Majeure recently opened a new winery in Milton Freewater, Oregon.
Crimson in color. 13.8% ABV. Predominantly Merlot and made by Carolyn Lakewold of Donedei Winery. Magenta in color. 13.8% ABV. Breathtaking nose of blue and black fruits, molten licorice, scorched earth and chocolate souffle. Full bodied, plush and concentrated. Blueberries, black cherry, cassis liqueur and espresso on the palate. The finish is long and seamless. Year in and year out this has been one of the best Merlot based wines made in Washington. Always my favorite wine from the Collaboration Series. Best over the next several years.
My rating: 94 points.
Force Majeure is one of the most exciting wineries in the state. The winery is still accepting names for the mailing list.
I blogged about Force Majeure recently in A Vertical Tasting of Force Majeure CS IV.