PG's Wine of the Week

Force Majeure is one of the most important producers in Washington yet remains under the radar for most wine drinkers. Now relocated to just outside the western boundary of the Rocks District, it's guided by winemaker Todd Alexander. His superb touch with exceptional Red Mountain and Walla Walla vineyard sources inspires a growing lineup of Bordeaux and Rhône-inspired blends and single varietal wines. These are not cheap, but this week's feature is from the lower-priced Parabellum tier and is stunningly good. It's a Rhône-style blend – principally Syrah with the balance a mix of Grenache, Mourvèdre, Cinsault and Counoise. This is instantly, strikingly delicious, speared with a vein of minty tobacco, loaded with sweetly toasty flavors of blueberry, blackberry, and marionberry fruit, and buoyed with natural acids. Among a tasting of a half dozen Force Majeure wines, which I returned to over a four-day period, the Coulée was the last man standing, still delicious when the last glass was poured on the last day. 14.8%; $45 (Columbia Valley)

https://forcemajeurevineyards.com/wp/wines/parabellum/