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All Wines from Force Majeure
Inventory updated: Sat, Feb 21, 2026 12:48 PM cst
Our vintages of Force Majeure wine currently include: 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016
Flickinger Fine Wines' inventory of Force Majeure wine is listed below. We have an excellent and vast assortment of fine wines to choose from. If you do not see what you are looking for, give us a call and we can suggest another Force Majeure vintage or even another producer that we are sure you will enjoy.
| Producer |
Vint. |
Wine |
Price |
Qty |
Order |
| | USA Red |
| Force Majeure |
2014 |
Cabernet Sauvignon  |
$75 |
4 |
|
| |
| WA 96 (6/2017): Like the Epinette cuvee, the 2014 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is showing incredibly well from bottle. Checking in as a blend of 93% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest small amounts of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, it saw an extended maceration and spent 22 months in 85% new French oak. It has a beautifully fresh, focused bouquet of black currants, graphite, smoked earth and chocolate, as well as full-bodied richness, good acidity and fine, polished tannin that builds with time in the glass. It's a terrific Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon that will benefit from 2-4 years of bottle age and keep for two decades. |
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2015 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$65 |
3 |
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| |
| JD 96 (4/2018): The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Red Mountain Estate is a beautiful effort. Sporting a deep ruby/purple color and terrific notes of blackcurrants, cassis, crushed rocks, lead pencil shavings, and chocolate, it hits the palate with a full-bodied, powerful, yet still elegant profile that carries incredible fruit and richness, yet no sense of weight. With beautiful purity of fruit, a balanced, layered style, building tannin, and a great finish, it needs 3-4 years of bottle age and will cruise for two decades in the cellars. Now focusing almost exclusively on their Red Mountain estate vineyards, Force Majeure is making some of the most compelling wines in Washington State, as well as in the United States. Winemaker Todd Alexander (previously at Bryant Family in Napa Valley) came on board in 2014 and today the wines show another level of purity and finesse, all while not sacrificing depth of fruit or texture. Both the 2015s and 2016 are terrific wines, with a small edge going to the 2016s. Trust me, these are gorgeous wines you need to try. (Drink between 2020-2040) |
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2016 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$85 |
3 |
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| |
JD 99 (4/2019): The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Red Mountain Estate is a thrilling effort from winemaker Todd Alexander that rates with some of the most monumental wines to come out of Washington State. Based on 100% Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from their estate vineyard on Red Mountain, brought up in mostly new barrels, it reveals a saturated purple color that's followed by a rich, primordial bouquet of crème de cassis, espresso roast, crushed rock, and graphite. It needs considerable air to start to show its potential yet is a full-bodied, powerful wine that has subtle oak, plenty of sweet tannins, and a huge, layered finish that won't quit. It's the tannin management that's truly spectacular. This brilliant wine needs to be forgotten for 4-5 years and will keep for 2-3 decades. (Drink between 2023-2048).
VM 93 (11/2018): Saturated bright ruby! Pungent, primary, essence-of-Cabernet aromas of cassis, black cherry, graphite, licorice pastille, tobacco leaf, mint and herbs, lifted by a violet topnote. Wonderful dense, thick, saline and sweet, showing a very ripe, chewy, slightly chocolatey character that reminded me of a Napa Valley cult Cabernet. (I should note that winemaker Todd Alexander previously spent four years as winemaker at Bryant Family Vineyard.) But this wonderfully savory wine may well have more energy than its Napa equivalents. Finishes very long, with huge, thick, totally ripe, palate-saturating tannins but no hard edges. Shows an almost caramelly Pomerol-like creaminess in the mouth, with its green qualities receding into the background. This wine lacks only the refinement for an even higher score. This appears to have been little affected by its recent bottling in August but I wonder if it will shut down in bottle over the coming year or so. (Drink between 2019-2025). Stephen Tanzer.
WA 93+ (12/2019): Opening with a fresh core of black fruit and minerality on the nose, the 2016 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon wafts with blackberry, crème de cassis and dusty purple flowers. Full-bodied in the mouth, the wine is strict and rigid, with a lingering spice through the mid-palate. It continues to show a mineral tension with dusty black fruit, spiced plum and nuanced oak flavors on the long, thoughtful finish. 450 cases were produced, and this wine will age especially well. |
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2009 |
Ciel du Cheval Collaboration Series I Proprietary Blend |
$60 |
9 |
|
| |
| WA 91 (12/2012): The Force Majeure 2009 Ciel du Cheval Vineyard Collaboration Series I is a blend of two-thirds Cabernet Sauvignon with, notes McBride a bit oddly, “healthy doses of P(etit) V(erdot) and Cabernet Franc for our take on ‘Left Bank’.” (That said, there is also a bit of Merlot.) In any case, it’s vinified by Ben Smith of Cadence, for more on whose attraction to Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot consult my notes on recent offerings from that winery. The herbaceous side of these cepages dominates in the nose, though in a pleasantly pungent and reasonably complex way. Mint, arbor vitae, and cassis take on a chocolate coating on the glycerol-rich palate, and this finishes with an admirable counterpoint – somehow avoiding too bifurcated a sense – between bittersweetly herbal and torrefied, confitured character. I wouldn’t have guessed that the barrels were 70% new, and there is what I like to think of as a Washington-typical energetic finishing ping. This ought to be worth following for at least the next half dozen years. |
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2010 |
Ciel du Cheval Collaboration Series I Proprietary Blend |
$60 |
4 |
|
| |
WA 95 (6/2013): Made by Ben Smith of Cadence with the overall intent to show elegance and refinement in a Washington blend, the 2010 Collaboration Series I checks in as a blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon and the balance equal parts Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Borderline opaque purple in color, it offers a perfumed, civilized bouquet of fresh black raspberry, damp underbrush, pencil shavings, toast and violets to go with a full-bodied, gorgeously balanced and pure mouthfeel on the palate that carries a light texture and ripe tannin. All from the first-rate Ciel du Cheval vineyard and aged in 70% new French oak, it is an elegant, ethereal and age-worthy blend that will evolve gracefully for 3-4 years and have upwards of 10-12 years or more of ultimate longevity. Drink 2016-2025.
VM 92+ (11/2013): (64% cabernet sauvignon, and 12% each cabernet franc, merlot and petit verdot; includes cabernet sauvignon plantings dating back to 1982 and 1975; made by Ben Smith; five of the eight barrels were new): Good dark red. Aromas and flavors of blueberry, coffee, mocha and sexy coconutty oak are lifted by a minty high note. Fine-grained and suave, in a distinctly cooler style for the year. Firm acidity and a pronounced medicinal reserve contribute to the impression of solid structure. Finishes with very smooth tannins and excellent length. Stephen Tanzer. |
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2011 |
Ciel du Cheval Collaboration Series I Proprietary Blend |
$55 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 93 (6/2014): Made by Ben Smith, the 2011 Collaboration Series I is pure elegance in a glass. Offering up notions of creme de cassis, violets, sappy green herbs, mint and assorted wild flower like qualities, this beauty flows onto the palate with full-bodied richness, integrated acidity and fine tannin that frame the finish beautifully. A blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon and then 12% each of Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Merlot, aged 28 months in 70% new French oak, it needs another year or two in the cellar, and will evolve gracefully for 15 years or more.
VM 92+ (12/2014): Saturated dark red. Brooding aromas of black fruits, dark chocolate and licorice show a medicinal reserve. Suave and penetrating in the mouth, offering a fine-grained texture and an attractive restrained sweetness to the dark fruit and milk chocolate flavors. Finishes savory and long, with building ripe tannins. This should evolve gracefully in bottle. Stpehen Tanzer. |
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2012 |
Ciel du Cheval Collaboration Series I Proprietary Blend |
$55 |
6 |
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WA 94 (6/2015): The 2012 Collaboration Series I is a rocking blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, with the balance an even split of Cab Franc, Petit Verdot and Merlot. Perfumed, lifted and fresh, with notes of spring flowers, mint, graphite, liquid black cherry and raspberry-like fruit, it has full-bodied richness, solid mid-palate depth and plenty of fine tannin. It’s made by Ben Smith and shows his more classic style. Give it 2-5 years in the cellar and enjoy bottles over the following decade or more. I’m being conservative on the drink window and it will evolve for longer.
VM 91 (11/2015): Deep ruby-red. Dark berry, cocoa powder and herb aromas are lifted by captivating violet and lavender high notes. Flavors of red fruits, spices and fig come across as riper and more syrupy than the Cadence wines, but subtle herbal and saline nuances provide lift. Finishes with serious, tongue-dusting tannins, a substantial oak element and a faint youthful dryness. A very successful, savory blend but made in a style that Smith describes as "more boisterous" than his own Cadence bottlings. (Drink between 2018-2025). Stephen Tanzer. |
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2011 |
Ciel du Cheval Collaboration Series II Proprietary Blend |
$65 |
4 |
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| |
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2009 |
Ciel du Cheval Collaboration Series III Proprietary Blend |
$65 |
2 |
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| |
| WA 91 (12/2012): The Force Majeure 2009 Ciel du Cheval Vineyard Collaboration Series III employs four clones of Syrah and was vinified by Mark McNeilly (with his assistant Mike Macmorran) of the Mark Ryan winery, who chose to utilize just one-third new barriques, in which the wine finished its primary fermentation. Vanilla and marzipan lend a surprisingly confectionary cast on a glycerol-rich palate to an amalgam of cherry preserves and creme de cassis, happily underlain by suggestions of roasted red meats that lend saliva inducement and savory counterpoint in a lingering, luscious finish. I was surprised at the extent to which this reflected its oak component given the stated percentage of new wood; but it was on this occasion that I made the following important discovery: in Washington, when vintners speak of “neutral” barrels, they may well – as in this instance – be referring to barrels that have been used only once previously! My intuition suggests that this will be worth following for at least 5-7 years. |
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2010 |
Ciel du Cheval Collaboration Series III Proprietary Blend |
$60 |
3 |
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| |
| VM 91+ (11/2013): Bright ruby. Sexy, vibrant aromas of black raspberry and blueberry lifted by high notes of flowers, pepper and spices. Very pure, juicy and intense, with strong but integrated acidity giving excellent definition to the flavors of blackberry, blueberry, violet, pepper and spices. I'd like to have seen a bit more syrah funk but there's no denying this wine's intensity, firm tannic spine and excellent length. Nothing overripe or thick about it. Stephen Tanzer. |
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2010 |
Ciel du Cheval Collaboration Series III Proprietary Blend |
$65 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 91+ (11/2013): Bright ruby. Sexy, vibrant aromas of black raspberry and blueberry lifted by high notes of flowers, pepper and spices. Very pure, juicy and intense, with strong but integrated acidity giving excellent definition to the flavors of blackberry, blueberry, violet, pepper and spices. I'd like to have seen a bit more syrah funk but there's no denying this wine's intensity, firm tannic spine and excellent length. Nothing overripe or thick about it. Stephen Tanzer. |
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2011 |
Ciel du Cheval Collaboration Series III Proprietary Blend |
$65 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 91 (12/2014): Bright red-ruby. Aromas of black raspberry, cassis, licorice, brown spices and smoky oak show a liqueur-like quality. At once lush and lively, with enticing inner-mouth violet perfume framing and lifting the flavors of black fruits, licorice and mint. An edge of harmonious acidity restrains the wine’s sweetness today. Finishes with tongue-dusting tannins and a note of exotic smoky oak. Stephen Tanzer. |
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2009 |
Ciel du Cheval Collaboration Series IV Proprietary Blend |
$60 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 88 (12/2012): Force Majeure’s 2009 Ciel du Cheval Vineyard Collaboration Series IV is dominated by Merlot (supported by 23% Cabernet Sauvignon plus smaller amounts of other Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot) and vinified by Carolyn Lakewold of Donedei Wines, whose background and inspiration – accordingly to McBride and Johnson – is with Northern Italian wine (though I can’t say I would have detected this). At 13.8% alcohol this is intentionally significantly lighter than its Collaboration Series siblings, and the absence of press wine was evidently intended to enhance textural refinement and relative levity. The nose here, though, is exceedingly spirituous as well as torrefied, for an impression that resembles dried cherries macerated in cognac, kirsch, and chocolate syrup, characteristics that combine for an almost liqueur-like though texturally not notably alluring palate impression. Toasted praline, cocoa powder, and caramelized wood resin (from half-new French and American oak) combine with the desiccated manifestation of cherry for a finish that’s slightly drying despite its superficial sense of sweetness. I wouldn’t want to speculate on this wine’s aging potential except to say that – admittedly in lieu of any directly relevant experience – I am somewhat skeptical on that count. Certainly, though, this is striking stuff, and I’ve no doubt there will be those who find its personality more enticing than do I. |
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2009 |
Ciel du Cheval Collaboration Series IV Proprietary Blend |
$70 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 88 (12/2012): Force Majeure’s 2009 Ciel du Cheval Vineyard Collaboration Series IV is dominated by Merlot (supported by 23% Cabernet Sauvignon plus smaller amounts of other Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot) and vinified by Carolyn Lakewold of Donedei Wines, whose background and inspiration – accordingly to McBride and Johnson – is with Northern Italian wine (though I can’t say I would have detected this). At 13.8% alcohol this is intentionally significantly lighter than its Collaboration Series siblings, and the absence of press wine was evidently intended to enhance textural refinement and relative levity. The nose here, though, is exceedingly spirituous as well as torrefied, for an impression that resembles dried cherries macerated in cognac, kirsch, and chocolate syrup, characteristics that combine for an almost liqueur-like though texturally not notably alluring palate impression. Toasted praline, cocoa powder, and caramelized wood resin (from half-new French and American oak) combine with the desiccated manifestation of cherry for a finish that’s slightly drying despite its superficial sense of sweetness. I wouldn’t want to speculate on this wine’s aging potential except to say that – admittedly in lieu of any directly relevant experience – I am somewhat skeptical on that count. Certainly, though, this is striking stuff, and I’ve no doubt there will be those who find its personality more enticing than do I. |
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2010 |
Ciel du Cheval Collaboration Series IV Proprietary Blend |
$70 |
2 |
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| |
| WA 94 (6/2013): The 2010 Collaboration Series IV is a Merlot-dominated blend that’s made by Carolyn Lakewold of Donedei Wines. The stated goal with this cuvee is to straddle the line between old-world and Nld World in style, and while I’m not sure how close they got to that mark, I can say that it’s certainly a beautiful wine. Possessing an inky purple color as well as an up-front, intense bouquet of black and blue fruits, violets, licorice, leather and liquid flowers, it flows onto the palate with a full-bodied, hedonistically styled texture that carries solid freshness and plenty of framing tannin that emerges on the finish. There’s a smidge of volatile acidity here, yet the wine handles it and is a plush, downright sexy effort that’s hard to resist. It should have over a decade of evolution. Drink now-2023. |
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2008 |
Ciel du Cheval Collaboration Series Reserve Syrah |
$60 |
1 |
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| |
| WA 95 (6/2013): More exotic and meaty, with serious coffee bean, roasted herbs, game, smoke and blacker styled fruit, the 2008 Ccollaboration Series Reserve Syrah also comes from the top-class Ciel du Cheval Vineyard in Red Mountain and is 100% Syrah (previous vintages had small amounts of Viognier co-fermented). Made by Ben Smith (Cadence Winery) and aged for 38 months in all-new French oak, it is a serious, age-worthy effort that has full-bodied richness, awesome concentration and a detailed, focused finish. More backwards and dense than normal for this cuvee (both the 2005 and 2006 were much evolved and open-knit on release), it integrated its oak component beautifully over the multiple days I followed the bottle and only improved with air. Give bottles another 3-4 years in the cellar and enjoy over the following 10-15 years. Drink 2016-2026. |
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2009 |
Ciel du Cheval Collaboration Series Reserve Syrah |
$60 |
2 |
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| |
| WA 96 (6/2013): The 2009 Collaboration Series Reserve Syrah is similar to the 2005 and 2006 Reserve Syrahs with its up-front, sexy and almost slutty kirsch and blackberry liqueur-styled fruit, graphite, roasted meats, dried flowers and underbrush-like aromas and flavors. Despite the extended time in barrel, it remains supremely pure and fresh, which, let me tell you, is not always the case with wines that have spent over three years in barrel! Full-bodied, supple and hard to resist, with a core of sweet fruit, a layered, rich texture and a big finish, it is ready to go now and I see no reason to delay gratification. A decade or more of longevity is most likely on the conservative side. Drink now 2022. |
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2009 |
Ciel du Cheval Collaboration Series Sangiovese |
$40 |
2 |
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2009 |
Ciel du Cheval Collaboration Series V Cabernet Sauvignon |
$65 |
6 |
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| WA 88 (12/2012): The 2009 Ciel du Cheval Vineyard Collaboration Series V represents a self-described attempt by McBride and Johnson – in collaboration with Chris Gorman – to render a “head-turning wine” showcasing this vineyard’s oldest Cabernet vines. It’s all Cabernet Sauvignon, fermented as well as aged in all-new oak, and dominated by scents of flavors of creme de cassis, chocolate, vanilla, caramelized wood resin and banana oil. For as much as its scents are confectionary and torrefied, I expected a more superficially sweet palate impression, but any such tendency is checked by a very prominent mouthful of tannin, and this finishes with a slightly dry spot and considerable gum-numbing and chew. I hope it was just going through a tough patch when I tasted it, and I won’t try to forecast its future evolution on the basis of this one acquaintance, other than to express tentative skepticism. |
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2010 |
Ciel du Cheval Collaboration Series V Cabernet Sauvignon |
$65 |
8 |
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| VM 90 (11/2013): Bright, healthy ruby-red. Blueberry, cassis and menthol on the nose, along with a lower-toned whiff of nut skin; smells rather energetically extracted. Then lush and large-scaled on the palate, with sweet currant and raspberry flavors showing noteworthy depth. The huge tannins parch the tongue a bit, but the fruit outlasts them on the long finish. Definitely no-holds-barred! Stephen Tanzer. |
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2010 |
Ciel du Cheval Collaboration Series V Cabernet Sauvignon |
$70 |
2 |
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| VM 90 (11/2013): Bright, healthy ruby-red. Blueberry, cassis and menthol on the nose, along with a lower-toned whiff of nut skin; smells rather energetically extracted. Then lush and large-scaled on the palate, with sweet currant and raspberry flavors showing noteworthy depth. The huge tannins parch the tongue a bit, but the fruit outlasts them on the long finish. Definitely no-holds-barred! Stephen Tanzer. |
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2011 |
Ciel du Cheval Collaboration Series V Cabernet Sauvignon |
$60 |
4 |
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WA 95 (6/2014): Starting out and concentrated, structured and full-bodied, with rocking creme de cassis, lead pencil, sweet tobacco and hints of gaminess, the 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Collaboration Series V is 100% Cabernet that comes from vines planted in 1975 and 1982. Spending 20 months in 100% new French oak, this knockout Washington State Cabernet will be better in another year or three, and have two decades of longevity. It’s a resounding success in this difficult vintage.
VM 91+ (12/2014): Bright, medium red-ruby. Subdued, pure aromas of crushed blackberry, blueberry, licorice pastille and violet, complicated by leather and bitter chocolate nuances. Tightly wound and youthfully backward, with an insidious liquid velvet character currently hidden by strong inner-mouth tension. Finishes with serious tongue-dusting tannins, very good grip and verve, and lingering notes of cassis, smoked meat, leather and exotic oak. Stephen Tanzer. |
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2012 |
Ciel du Cheval Collaboration Series V Cabernet Sauvignon |
$60 |
6 |
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WA 97 (6/2015): Made by Chris Gorman, the 2012 Collaboration Series V Cabernet Sauvignon Ciel du Cheval is a blockbuster. Big, bombastic, full-bodied and decadent, it still stays classy and elegant, with lively black raspberry, cassis, caramelized cherries, crushed flowers and high-class oak all emerging from the glass. Enjoy this pedal-to-the-metal Cabernet over the coming two decades.
VM 89 (11/2015): (14.9% alcohol; made by Chris Gorman): Dark ruby-red. Cassis, licorice, chocolatey oak and a whiff of leather on the slightly medicinal nose. Densely packed and full, conveying an almost port-like sweetness to the flavors of cassis, black cherry and licorice. This chewy, plush wine is a bit youthfully clenched today; perhaps a few years of cellaring will bring more complexity. Finishes with tongue-dusting tannins and very good length. |
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2013 |
Ciel du Cheval Collaboration Series V Cabernet Sauvignon |
$60 |
6 |
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| VM 90 (11/2016): Bright, full ruby. Pungent oaky lift to the aromas of blackberry, blueberry, cassis and licorice, plus an iron-like tobacco nuance. Plush and sweet in the mouth, offering slightly chunky dark fruit, spice and sweet oak flavors. Finishes with substantial, chewy, oak-driven tannins that turned a bit drier with aeration. Stephen Tanzer. |
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2010 |
Ciel du Cheval Collaboration Series VI Red Wine |
$60 |
1 |
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WA 94+ (6/2013): A brilliant Southern Rhone-like blend of 56% Mourvedre, 38% Syrah and 6% Grenache that was fermented all in concrete and aged in neutral French oak puncheons, the 2010 Collaboration Series VI was made by James Mantone of Syncline Wines. Spectacular, with vividly defined aromas of blackberry, pepper, flowers, underbrush and licorice, it flows onto the palate with lively acidity, polished tannin and an elegant, seamless texture that has no hard edges and an overall classy, refined feel. Already approachable and complex, it will benefit from short-term cellaring and drink nicely for 10-12 years.
VM 91+ (11/2013): Good bright, medium ruby-red. High-toned aromas of red berries, red pepper and licorice, plus a whiff of tree bark. At once sweet and bright, with the red fruit flavors accented by spices and pepper. Lovely energetic, intense mourvedre here. A very successful blend with sound natural acidity. Most of the Force Majeure Vineyard's mourvedre fruit was stolen in 2010, with the thieves leaving only the outside rows intact. Stephen Tanzer. |
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2007 |
Collaboration Series Reserve Syrah |
$45 |
2 |
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2011 |
Collaboration Series Reserve Syrah |
$50 |
2 |
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| WA 95-97 (6/2013): A new cuvee that might be renamed by the time you read this (I heard more than three different ideas in the 5-10 minutes we spent with the wine), the 2011 Collaboration Series Syrah Special Project is made from 92% Ciel du Cheval Syrah and 8% co-fermented Viognier and Roussanne. Sexy, supple and gorgeously perfumed, it boasts knockout aromatics of black raspberry, peach pit, smoked cherries, bramble and pepper as well as a full-bodied, seamless and voluptuous texture that has no hard edges. It gains focus and detail on the finish, yet will be hard to resist in its youth given the purity of fruit and quality of the texture; nevertheless, it should evolve gracefully. Drink now-2026. |
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2009 |
Collaboration Series V Proprietary Blend |
$70 |
2 |
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2010 |
Collaboration Series V Proprietary Blend |
$70 |
1 |
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| WA 96 (6/2013): The most full-throttle of the lineup, the 2010 Collaboration Series V is comprised of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, from Ciel du Cheval blocks planted in 1975 and 1982, that was aged in 100% new French oak. Made by Chris Gorman, it offers up a decadent array of creme de cassis, smoked herbs, chocolate, roasted meats and freshly sharpened pencil-like qualities on the nose. Full-bodied, seamless and even elegant on the palate, yet with layers of fruit and texture, it has clean, integrated acidity, superb polish to its tannin and big minerality that emerges on the finish. Certainly impressive now, it still needs another 3-4 years of bottle age and will shine for 15 years or more. Drink 2015-2028+ |
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2011 |
Collaboration Series V Proprietary Blend |
$70 |
2 |
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| VM 91+ (12/2014): Bright, medium red-ruby. Subdued, pure aromas of crushed blackberry, blueberry, licorice pastille and violet, complicated by leather and bitter chocolate nuances. Tightly wound and youthfully backward, with an insidious liquid velvet character currently hidden by strong inner-mouth tension. Finishes with serious tongue-dusting tannins, very good grip and verve, and lingering notes of cassis, smoked meat, leather and exotic oak. Stephen Tanzer. |
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2010 |
Collaboration Series VI Proprietary Blend |
$40 |
2 |
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WA 94+ (6/2013): A brilliant Southern Rhone-like blend of 56% Mourvedre, 38% Syrah and 6% Grenache that was fermented all in concrete and aged in neutral French oak puncheons, the 2010 Collaboration Series VI was made by James Mantone of Syncline Wines. Spectacular, with vividly defined aromas of blackberry, pepper, flowers, underbrush and licorice, it flows onto the palate with lively acidity, polished tannin and an elegant, seamless texture that has no hard edges and an overall classy, refined feel. Already approachable and complex, it will benefit from short-term cellaring and drink nicely for 10-12 years. Drink now-2025.
VM 91+ (12/2013): (56% mourvedre, 38% syrah and 6% grenache; made by James Mantone of Syncline; fermented in square concrete bins and 500-liter puncheons): Good bright, medium ruby-red. High-toned aromas of red berries, red pepper and licorice, plus a whiff of tree bark. At once sweet and bright, with the red fruit flavors accented by spices and pepper. Lovely energetic, intense mourvedre here. A very successful blend with sound natural acidity. Most of the Force Majeure Vineyard's mourvedre fruit was stolen in 2010, with the thieves leaving only the outside rows intact. |
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2011 |
Collaboration Series VI Proprietary Blend |
$40 |
2 |
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| WA 92 (6/2014): The estate’s Rhone-styled blend is the Collaboration VI. Comprised of 47% Mourvedre, 42% Syrah and 11% Grenache, the 2011 Collaboration Series VI was fermented in concrete eggs (some whole-cluster inclusion) and aged 20 months in 500-liter French oak puncheons. Made by James Mantone (of Syncline), it offers classic white pepper, ground herbs, earth and assorted dark fruit characteristics to go with a medium to full-bodied, pure and beautifully textured feel on the palate. Elegant, fresh and with a terrific finish, it will evolve gracefully for 10-12 years. |
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2012 |
Force Majeur Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$60 |
4 |
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WA 95+ (6/2015): Made by Todd Alexander and coming from the new estate vineyard, the 2012 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is backward and structured, with gorgeous dark fruits, scorched earth, graphite and crushed rock giving way to a full-bodied, concentrated tannic feel on the palate. This is a serious effort that will need a decade of cellaring, yet should have 25+ years of overall longevity.
JD 95+ (1/2018): The 2012 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon comes from the estate vineyard located high up on Red Mountain. It offers a perfumed, masculine and mineral-laced bouquet of crushed violets, blueberries, plums and wild herbs to go with a full-bodied, rich, structured style on the palate. While there's plenty of upfront fruit, it has building tannin, tons of minerality, and a great finish, all suggesting it needs short term cellaring. Give bottles 3-4 years and enjoy over the following 15-20 years. (Drink between 2020-2040).
VM 92 (11/2015): Bright, dark ruby. Black cherry, cassis, minerals and licorice on the tight nose, with a faint herbal quality. Sweet flavors of dark berries and spices show lovely plushness and depth. Nicely concentrated but still a bit youthfully clenched and a bit dry on the back end, even if the tannins are fine-grained and suave. Very impressive Cabernet but extremely primary today and in need of patience. This bottling comes from the winery's steep estate vineyard on Red Mountain. (Drink between 2019-2025). Stephen Tanzer. |
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2013 |
Force Majeur Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$75 |
4 |
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| WA 95+ (6/2015): Made by Todd Alexander and coming from the new estate vineyard, the 2012 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is backward and structured, with gorgeous dark fruits, scorched earth, graphite and crushed rock giving way to a full-bodied, concentrated tannic feel on the palate. This is a serious effort that will need a decade of cellaring, yet should have 25+ years of overall longevity. |
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2010 |
Force Majeure Vyd. Collaboration Series Cabernet Sauvignon |
$60 |
4 |
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2011 |
Force Majeure Vyd. Collaboration Series Cabernet Sauvignon |
$60 |
7 |
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| WA 93-95+ (6/2013): Coming all from the new, incredibly steep estate vineyard located high up near the top of Red Mountain, the 2011 Collaboration Series Cabernet Sauvignon is distinct in the lineup for its deep black currant, tobacco, underbrush, violets and mineral-loaded profile. More rounded and supple on the palate than some of the Ciel du Cheval bottlings, it has a rich, weighty mouthfeel, knockout purity of fruit and enough silky tannin to allow it to evolve gracefully for at least a decade. This is only the fourth leaf for the vineyard and hats off to the Force Majeure crew for having the vision to push the envelope on where grape vines can be planted and for the perseverance to work those steep hillsides. Drink now-2021. |
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2012 |
Force Majeure Vyd. Red Mountain Syrah |
$65 |
2 |
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| WA 97+ (6/2015): Getting a few “wows” and expletives in the notes, the 2012 Estate Syrah is 100% of the variety and comes from the estate’s new vineyard perched high up on the upper slopes of Red Mountain. Reminding me of a young vintage of Guigal’s Cote Rotie La Turque, it exhibits sensational notes of black raspberry, graphite, cured meats, lavender and toasted spices. These all flow seamlessly to a full-bodied, dense, concentrated and pure 2012 that has building, fine tannin and a blockbuster finish. Give it 3-4 years in the cellar, and enjoy bottle through 2032. |
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2016 |
Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon |
$150 |
2 |
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| JD 99 (4/2019): The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Red Mountain Estate is a thrilling effort from winemaker Todd Alexander that rates with some of the most monumental wines to come out of Washington State. Based on 100% Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from their estate vineyard on Red Mountain, brought up in mostly new barrels, it reveals a saturated purple color that's followed by a rich, primordial bouquet of crème de cassis, espresso roast, crushed rock, and graphite. It needs considerable air to start to show its potential yet is a full-bodied, powerful wine that has subtle oak, plenty of sweet tannins, and a huge, layered finish that won't quit. It's the tannin management that's truly spectacular. This brilliant wine needs to be forgotten for 4-5 years and will keep for 2-3 decades. (Drink between 2023-2048) |
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2016 |
Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon Bin-Soiled Label |
$150 |
1 |
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| JD 99 (4/2019): The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Red Mountain Estate is a thrilling effort from winemaker Todd Alexander that rates with some of the most monumental wines to come out of Washington State. Based on 100% Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from their estate vineyard on Red Mountain, brought up in mostly new barrels, it reveals a saturated purple color that's followed by a rich, primordial bouquet of crème de cassis, espresso roast, crushed rock, and graphite. It needs considerable air to start to show its potential yet is a full-bodied, powerful wine that has subtle oak, plenty of sweet tannins, and a huge, layered finish that won't quit. It's the tannin management that's truly spectacular. This brilliant wine needs to be forgotten for 4-5 years and will keep for 2-3 decades. (Drink between 2023-2048) |
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| | USA White |
| Force Majeure |
2011 |
Force Majeure Vyd. Collaboration Series Viognier |
$28 |
1 |
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| WA 89 (12/2012): Like its predecessor (which represented the debut of fruit from their steep estate site), Force Majeure’s 2011 Viognier takes two-thirds of its fruit from neighboring Ciel du Cheval. It was vinified by Mike MacMorran of Mark Ryan Winery in older barriques plus a 25% share in same-sized stainless steel “barrels” (though future installments will employ egg-shaped concrete vessels), with lees stirring and with malolactic transformation blocked on some of them. Scents of acacia and honeysuckle, pear and honeydew melon as well as intimations of cress anticipate inner-mouth florality, juicy fruit, and faint prickle that combine with a glycerol-rich, subtly creamy texture. A bitter note not unfamiliar from this grape is slightly discordantly superimposed over tartness of green apple in an otherwise persistently ripely-fruited finish. My suspicion is that this will be best drunk over the next 12-18 months. |
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