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. In recent years the winery 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.
The CS IV was made by Carolyn Lakewold of Donedei Winery.
Crimson in color. 14.8% ABV 72% Merlot, 16% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot. Sublime nose of black fruits, molten licorice, scorched earth and violets. Full bodied, lush and concentrated. Well balanced. Black cherry, cassis liqueur, currants and camphor on the palate. Tremendous length on the finish. Outstanding Merlot that has always competed with the top examples of this variety in WA. Aging brilliantly. Best over the next 3-5 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 CS IV in A Vertical Tasting of Force Majeure CS IV.