2011 Force Majeure Vineyards Red Wine Collaboration Series IV Ciel du Cheval Vineyard Red Mountain Washington

"Made by Carolyn Lakewold, the 2011 Collaboration Series IV is a wine that breaks all the rules, yet still delivers an incredible drinking experience. Loaded with volatile acidity, it has notions of plum, toast, milk chocolate and spice that flow beautifully to a full-bodied, voluptuous and thrillingly textured profile on the palate. Made from 72% Merlot, 16% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc and a splash of Petit Verdot, aged 28 months in 50% new French and American oak. The VA here just makes me shake my head, and it won't be for everyone, but it's one hedonistic, sexy beast that I'd opt for drinking over the coming 4-6 years. One of my favorite estates in Washington, Force Majeure is run by Paul McBride and vineyard manager Ryan Johnson. The focus here is always Red Mountain fruit, with grapes pulled mostly from the creme de la creme Ciel du Cheval vineyard, and increasingly from their estate Force Majeure Vineyard as more and more plots come online. Each cuvee is made by a different winemaker, and they're allowed a relatively free hand with regards to pick dates and vinification. The result is a myriad of styles, yet the purity of the fruit from these two great sites is always present. Looking at the different cuvees, their Collaboration Series I is their Bordeaux styled- blend and is made by Ben Smith. The Collaboration II (which I tasted out of barrel in 2011 but neither it nor the 2012 were presented for this report) is a Syrah and Viognier blend that's made by Ross Michel. The Collaboration III is a 100% Syrah that's made by Mike MacMorran with the goal to highlight Washington State Syrah, namely Red Mountain. Their Merlot-dominated wine is the Collaboration IV, and it's made by Carolyn Lakewold of Donedi Wine. Their 100% Cabernet Sauvignon is the Collaboration V and is made by Chris Gorman (Gorman Winery). And lastly, the Collaboration Series VI is their Rhone-styled release made by James Mantone of Syncline. In addition, they do a number of new estate release, and reserve wines as well. I believe the winemaker for these efforts is Mike MacMorran. The estate's 100% Cabernet Sauvignon release is the Collaboration V and is made by Chris Gorman, of Gorman Winery. It's always made in a rich, full-throttle style, yet is never over-the- top." -Jeb Dunnuck Review Date: June 2014