2010 Force Majeure Collaboration Series I Ciel du Cheval Vineyard

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. Focusing on site specific fruit (Red Mountain) and utilizing a variety of top winemakers who each make a specific style of wine, Force Majeure (formerly Grand Reve) is the brain child of entrepreneur Paul McBride and vineyard manager Ryan Johnson. I’ve raved about this producer in the past, and I continue to do so here. If anyone doubts that great wine is made in the vineyard, I urge you to taste through this lineup as the quality of the fruit shows in each wine, regardless of the winemaker. While this estate pulls heavily from the Ciel du Cheval vineyard, their estate Force Majeure Vineyard, which is located at the very top of Red Mountain on very steep slopes (I had car “issues” trying to get up them during my first visit in 2010) is just now coming on line and is already showing ample promise. I’ve put these wines in numerous blind tastings with the best wines in the world and they always hold their own. Don’t miss them. www.forcemajeurevineyards.com