2014 Force Majeure Estate Épinette
Deep and dark purplish ruby red. Dark nose with dark chocolate, a touch leafy, black currants, and dark gravel. Heavy tannins (8/10) and full bodied. Dark and ripe with bitter dark cocoa, black currants, damp earthiness and crushed granite. Long and lingering finish. Tons of potential but needs some time to simmer down.
2014 is the first vintage since Force Majeure Vineyards decided to discontinue their 'Collaboration Series' line of wines in the 2013 vintage. Now all the wines are made by Todd Alexander. The name Épinette means three different things that fit the wine perfectly. First is the avenue in Libourne that leads to Pomeral and St. Émilion - perfect for the inspiration behind the bottle. Secondly it is an instrument that is similar to a piano - which produces beautiful sounds like this beautiful wine. Lastly it is a word for pine wood - perfect for being in Washington State. The Épinette is Force Majeure's Right Bank Bordeaux inspired bottling made up of 58% Merlot, 22% Cabernet Franc, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot all from the estate vineyard on Red Mountain. Aged for 22 months in 85% new French oak and only 240 cases produced.
2019 till 2029.
Price Point:
$$$ - Sample provided by estate. Release price is $95.00.