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Force Majeure Estate Syrah
Force Majeure Vineyards
United States - Washington - Red Mountain

The Force Majeure estate Syrah is cultivated in a combination of the 8 soil types that exist in the vineyard, with most of it being planted in very steep, very rocky locations, but some also planted in deeper, loamier soils.

The estate Syrah typically exhibits a broad spectrum of black, blue and red fruits, dried herbs and jasmine, fennel, smoked meats and crushed rock along with very fine tannins, great length, balance and complexity.

Specifications
Appellation
Red Mountain
Wine Type
Red
Varietal(s)
98% Syrah, 2% Viognier
Soil type
Very steep, rocky locations, but some also planted in deeper, loamier soils
Vinification
18% whole cluster,
Fermented in concrete
18 months in 20% new French oak, large format
Native yeast, cold soak up front
Macerations up to 30 days; pumpovers and punch-downs
100% free run.
The wine is bottled unfined and unfiltered.
Production
520 (9-liter cases)

Reviews and News

2019 Force Majeure Estate Syrah - 95+ PTS - JD

2019 Force Majeure Estate Syrah - 95+ PTS - JD

jeb dunnuck logo 250"The 2019 Syrah Red Mountain gives up a more earthy, darker, red and black-fruited style as well as textbook Syrah notes of new leather, ground pepper, chalky mineral, and subtle bacon fat nuances. As with many top Red Mountain releases, it has an incredible sense of minerality, especially with time in the glass. Full-bodied, concentrated, and structured, it deserves 4-5 years of bottle age if you can and will see its 20th birthday in fine form."

- Jeb Dunnuck (July 2022), 95+ pts

2019 Force Majeure Estate Syrah - 95 PTS - WE TOP 100

2019 Force Majeure Estate Syrah - 95 PTS - WE TOP 100

wine enthusiast 95 pts"The aromas bring notes of fractured basalt, red and black fruit, moist earth, fresh herb and spice. Pillowy soft, textured, ripe, intense dark-fruit flavors follow. A long, lingering, fruit-filled finish caps it off. The appeal is as much about feel as flavor. It's a wild ride. - SEAN P. SULLIVAN"

- Wine Enthusiast (November 2022), 95 pts - #32 ENTHUSIAST TOP 100

2019 Force Majeure Estate Syrah - 94 PTS - WS

2019 Force Majeure Estate Syrah - 94 PTS - WS

jeb dunnuck logo 250"Brooding and deeply structured, yet retains a sense of finesse, offering blackberry and blueberry flavors framed by smoked meat, licorice and cracked pepper. Best from 2024 through 2031. - Tim FISH"

- Wine Spectator (December 2022), 94 pts

2017 Force Majeure Estate Syrah - 99 PTS - JD

2017 Force Majeure Estate Syrah - 99 PTS - JD

jeb dunnuck logo 250"A stunning, world-class wine from Red Mountain, the 2017 Syrah Estate is the finest example yet from this steep, rocky terroir and winemaker Todd Alexander. With extraordinary notes of blackberry, smoked game, cassis, graphite, charred meats, and spring flowers, it’s reminiscent of a top Cote Rotie from the Cote Blonde. With full-bodied richness, a beautiful, layered, multi-dimensional texture, ripe tannins, and integrated oak, it’s beautiful today yet will benefit from short-term cellaring and cruise for 15-20 years or more in cool cellars. This sensational wine will stand toe to toe with the best out there."
- Jeb Dunnuck (April 2020), 99 pts

2017 Force Majeure Estate Syrah - 93 PTS - VINOUS

2017 Force Majeure Estate Syrah - 93 PTS - VINOUS

vinous logo"Bright, full medium ruby. Youthfully tight aromas of blackberry, blueberry and licorice. At once sweet, precise and fine-grained, with the black fruit flavors lifted by underlying minerality and a floral element. This very fresh, northern Rhône-like Syrah conveys an element of liquid rock without being gamey. Tactile tannins dust the front teeth on the long back end. Very impressive. (14.95% alcohol; vinified with 15% whole clusters in concrete and stainless steel, then aged for 19 months in 20% new 300- and 500-liter French oak barrels; 3.85 pH) - Stephen Tanzer"
- Antonio Galloni's Vinous (December 2019), 93 pts

2016 Force Majeure Estate Syrah- 97 pts - JD

2016 Force Majeure Estate Syrah- 97 pts - JD

jeb dunnuck logo 250"The 2016 Syrah Estate checks in as 100% Syrah that saw a small amount of stems. It spent 18 months in 25% new French oak. Deeply colored, it displays a thrilling bouquet of smoked black fruits, violets, smoked meats, charcoal, and graphite. Deep, rich, incredibly fleshy and flamboyant, with perfect balance, it's a serious, world-class Syrah that will keep for 10-15 years."
- Jeb Dunnuck (April 2019), 97 pts

Go to Force Majeure Estate Syrah

Producer Information: Force Majeure Vineyards

Force Majeure is an ultra-premium winery located in the Walla Walla Valley, specializing in estate-grown, single-vineyard Bordeaux and Rhône-inspired wines. Their wines are meticulously crafted by former Bryant Family Vineyard ...
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