On rare occasion I find it absolutely imperative to write about a single wine that stands out in my memory. One of the great wines that has been made over the past two years, the ‘SJR Vineyard’ Syrah by Force Majeure and maestro Todd Alexander, has become one of the cult Washington and Oregon wines (state dependent on who you speak to). Rather than focus on what state this is made in, the wine deserves full careful examination.
It has become no secret that the ‘SJR Vineyard’ is one of the sacred grounds in Oregon. Walk through the vineyard and you will find one of the most meticulous, carefully managed sites in the Pacific Northwest. Robertson serves as vineyard manager and her background in science gives her an edge with how to crop this great site and how to take care with challenging conditions that the Rocks District can face (including heat pushing 140 degrees with the heating impact of the large cobblestones).
Todd Alexander has wanted to make a wine from the Walla Walla Rocks District since he first began winemaking several years back at Force Majeure. While the Force Majeure lineup leans on their outstanding Red Mountain vineyard, this ‘SJR Vineyard’ project is a stellar addition to their great lineup that was started with a bang with their 2016 release (WWB, 97).
The 2017 Force Majeure ‘SJR Vineyard’ Syrah (WWB, 97) is every bit as good as last year’s wine. Texturally ethereal, this deftly walks the tightrope between weight and finesse. The aromatic and flavor range imparted in this wine is downright thrilling. In short, the wine is so good that you will simply need to try for yourself — but act fast because this is a highly allocated, limited production bottling that will no doubt sell out quickly. Here is my review of the spellbinding 2017 ‘SJR Vineyard’ Syrah by Force Majeure and superstar winemaker Todd Alexander.
2017 Force Majeure ‘SJR Vineyard’ Syrah- The 2017 ‘SJR Vineyard’ Syrah by Force Majeure is a tour de force in Washington and Oregon wine. Not needing any decant, the ‘SJR Vineyard’ Syrah bursts out of the glass with Hoisin sauce and Umami aromatics that dramatically combine with shades of green olive tapenade, and white pepper dusted bacon fat that all take shape in the glass. The palate has a seamless quality, effortlessly showing off its soft mouthfeel and pillowy texture that mingles with a solid acid backbone. Decadent blackberry cobbler flavors sing in unison with suggestions of milk chocolate covered dark cherry, smoked brisket, creosote and roasted dates. A complete wine, the 2017 Force Majeure ‘SJR Vineyard’ Syrah is fantastic in its youth will provide drinking enjoyment for a decade or more, picking up more savory and tertiary components as it gracefully ages. Drink 2020-2032- 97