Entrepreneurs and owners Paul and Susan McBride find inspiration for their wines from some of the world’s finest vineyards from Cote Rotie, Hermitage, Cornas, Chateauneuf-du-Pape and Bordeaux. Guided by the belief that great wine begins in the vineyard, they spared little expense in the care and planting of a steep hillside vineyard on Red Mountain.
In 2014, management of the Force Majeure Estate Vineyard transitioned to the legendary Dick Boushey, and recruited Todd Alexander, a world-class winemaking talent to oversee winemaking and management of the brand. Alexander was winemaker for the famous “cult” winery Bryant Family Vineyard in Napa Valley prior to joining Force Majeure. Additionally, in 2015, superstar Napa winemaker Helen Keplinger joined the team as a consultant.
The winery’s new 6,000 square-foot state-of-the-art winemaking facility and tasting room is located in Woodinville’s newly christened “Artisan Hill” warehouse district. The new space, which is open for private tastings and semi-annual release parties and open houses, features French oak walls and windows that provide visitors a dramatic look into the winemaking facility and barrel room.
Force Majeure 2012 Red Mountain Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, $80
Nose: Expressive aromas of red currant, crushed rock, violet, sagebrush and mulberry.
Taste: Powerful and well-carved, with a distinctive plush mouthfeel. A deft core of ripe blackberry, raspberry and crème de cassis followed by tobacco leaf, anise liqueur, tarragon and sage. The lush tannins push from the front and ride through the lengthy finish.
Editor’s Choice – Outstanding
Production: 225 cases
Alcohol: 14.8%
Force Majeure 2012 Red Mountain Estate Syrah, $65
Nose: Generous aromas of dark berries, meaty and smoky scents with pencil lead, black olive, white pepper and rocky minerality.
Taste: Beautifully polished with deeply concentrated fruit, showing complex layers of plum sauce, raspberry coulis, violet, sage and savory herbs backed by finely crushed pebbles on the long finish.
Editor’s Choice – Outstanding
Production: 300 cases
Alcohol: 14.7%
Website: www.forcemajeurevineyards.com