Community Tasting Note

ThatFrenchieGuy Likes this wine:

Friday, April 12, 2024 - **What is it:** There's the term "Cult Cabernet" kicking around out there. I'm not sure we'll ever agree on what is and isn't on that list, but there's a reasonable claim that Force Majeure is a cult winery.

While famous for their cab, I think the syrah is a better wine. 97% Syrah off Red Mountain with a 3% Viognier coferment and 15% whole cluster. Aged 18 months in 23% new large format French oak.

**Price Paid:** $89/btl as part of the membership program

**Nose:** Violets and peppercorns, a sort of burnt dirt smell that I've been told is "volcanic soil". Fresh currants, ripe blueberries.

**Palate:** A lot of extract, to the point where this is mild infanticide -- if you've had 2009 Bordeaux, it's got the same heavy powerful mouthfeel. Slightly savory with iron and earth, but then a layer of fully ripe black fruits, peppercorn, and violets on top of it. I think it's a very impressive middle ground between Australia and the Rhone, but I want just a touch more acid to balance out the richness.

**Takeaway:** It's utterly fantastic and I see why critics give it such high scores. It's more of a syrah for Napa enjoyers, but there's nothing with doing that if you do it this well. 5/

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