As I sat across from Todd Alexander, masks off, we both couldn’t help recognize how nice it was to have some human company. This was my first tasting with a winemaker for many months and I was very eager to try what have consistently been some of the best Rhone style wines in the state. ‘It all starts in the vineyard,’ said Todd, meaning the Force Majeure Vineyard on Red Mountain. Set at 960 to 1,230 feet, the vineyard is planted to mainly Rhone and Bordeaux varietals and the fruit off this vineyard has been nothing short of incredible. Something great happened for Washington wine in 2014 when Todd Alexander came to partner with Force Majeure proprietors Paul and Susan McBride — a move that has totally transformed the winery. Todd formerly made wine at famed Bryant Family Vineyard in the Napa Valley where he worked with vineyard manager David Abreu as well as consultant extraordinaire, Michel Rolland. Since that partnership has started, I have been blown away with what Todd has produced across the board. The wines have special attention to mouthfeel and texture. These are not delicate wines but are rich wines with good tension and varietal typicity.
Their future releases are gorgeous across the board. I loved their great value 2018 Parabellum ‘Coulee’ Red Wine (WWB, 93) which is dense and chewy with a wonderful sense of texture. One of the great Viogniers made in North America, the 2018 Force Majeure Viognier (WWB, 95) is fresh and elegant with a marvelous sense of texture and viscosity but is nowhere near cloying. This is a must-buy for any serious collector of Washington white wine. I was blown away with the future release 2018 Force Majeure ‘Paravata’ Red Wine (WWB, 95-97) which might be the best ‘Paravata’ bottling that I have had from Todd Alexander. My hat goes off to Todd Alexander for crafting a very special set of current and future release wines. Learn more about these great wines at https://forcemajeurevineyards.com Here are the fantastic new wines by Force Majeure.
2018 Force Majeure Viognier- Truly one of the top Viognier bottling in the Pacific Northwest, the 2018 Force Majeure Viognier shows pretty honeysuckle with cantaloupe and shades of beeswax and bright Bosc pear on this evocative nose. The palate is silky smooth, evoking impressive range from banana to cantaloupe tones that mingle with minerals, salted Macadamia nut and suggestions of ripe peach. Quite simply this Viognier has it all, from flavor and aromatic range, to impeccable balance and texture. Enjoy this beautiful wine over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2020-2028- 95
2018 Parabellum ‘Coulee’ Red Wine- A blend 90% Syrah and the remainder Mourvedre, this densely colored wine shows layers of black currants and blackberry compote with shade of tar and black licorice on the palate. Dense, chewy and layered, this is thrilling and forward stuff to enjoy in its youth but will provide drinking enjoyment for another eight to ten years. Drink 2020-2028- 93
2018 Force Majeure ‘Paravata’ Red Wine- 95-97
2018 Force Majreure ‘Estate’ Syrah- 95-97
2018 Force Majeure ‘SJR Vineyard’ Syrah- 96-98