Force Majeure
“unstoppable force”
when the highest level of viticulture is combined with the highest level of winemaking
Force Majeure is an ultra-premium winery specializing in estate-grown, single-vineyard Bordeaux and Rhone-inspired wines. Based in the Walla Walla Valley and lead by renown winemaker, Todd Alexander, Force Majeure is defined by an unwavering commitment to outstanding viticulture and exemplary winemaking….and the proof is in the bottle.
Cracking into a bottle of Force Majeure is an evolving experience from start to finish. At once, you are taken to where the wine demands you go, that is, until the deep aromas settle you in for a self-guided tour of curiosity and introspection. The wine embraces you and stays with you, yet seems to somehow leave you free to contemplate your own indulgences. The tasting experience is seriously sensuous, strangely familiar, yet completely unique.
Force Majeure
Parabellum “Coulée” Red Mountain, WA, 2017
“Parabellum” is about making incredible wine by being prepared for anything that harvest might bring: “If you want peace, prepare for war.”
The 2017 Parabellum Coulée is classic Force Majeure at a fraction of the premium price. Predominantly Syrah with roughly 15% Mourvèdre, the dark crimson wine fills the glass with aromas of pastrami and cured meats, blackberry preserve, celery leaf, white pepper, and light vanilla. Initially, the texture is chewy across the mid-palate while the dark berry fruit is constrained. With decanting and time, flavors brighten with ripe blackberry and cassis coming through, and aromas of violet and sweet cedar elevate the long, silky, mouth-watering finish.
This wine is pleasurable to pair with food as it has the heft to handle grilled and roasted meats while bringing enough juicy acidity to refresh the palate. While the range is broad, I recommend roasting a leg-of-lamb stuffed with garlic, covered in olive oil and rosemary, and served with a cannellini bean puree and a freshly chopped parsley-mint gremolata.
Force Majeure
“Parvata”
Red Mountain, WA 2017
Parvata means “mountain” in sanskrit, and is the name for our southern Rhône-inspired blend, grown mostly in the sandy, loamy soils of the lower section of our Red Mountain vineyard, which bring to the wine a good degree of finesse and high-toned aromatic notes, white pepper, dried herbs and grapefruit peel. Fermented after cold soak in concrete vats, it receives a gentle extraction before being barreled down to spend approximately 18 months in a small percentage of new French oak, utilizing both large format puncheons and barrels. The blend will change each year and will eventually be driven by Grenache as more of our plantings come into production. Bottled unfined and unfiltered.