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 and Syrah. There is also a second label that was introduced last year named Parabellum.
Interesting to note that this is one of my last Grand Reve bottles which was the original name of the winery prior to Force Majeure.
Violet in color. 13.6% ABV. 60% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, 18% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Petit Verdot. Soaring nose of red fruits, anise and graphite. Rich and polished with layers of fruit. Currants, cassis, cherries and molten licorice on the palate. The finish is incredibly long and plush. This wine has lost some of the baby fat of years past and is taking on some cool tertiary characteristics. In a great place now. One of the best Merlot based wines in Washington. Drink over the next 4-6 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’m going to miss the CS wines and in particular the Merlot dominant CS IV but am excited about the direction Paul McBride has in mind for Force Majeure.
If you enjoyed this post please consider subscribing to Zinfandel Chronicles updates by email.