Force Majeure is rooted in the spirit of Collaboration, beginning in 2004 with a partnership between viticulturist Ryan Johnson, owners Paul and Susan McBride and seven specially selected winemakers, each chosen for their proficiency with various grape varietals and styles.
Producing small quantities of Bordeaux- and Rhone-inspired wines from Ciel du Cheval Vineyard from 2004 to 2013, the “Collaboration Series” garnered many accolades and set us on the path to develop our estate vineyard, while at the same time permitting us to release exceptional single-vineyard wines as our vines came into their own.
2013 was the final vintage for the “Collaboration Series” wines, as we evolved into a completely estate-focused winery.
COLLABORATION I CABERNET SAUVIGNON
COLLABORATION II
SYRAH
Winemaker: Ben Smith
Cabernet-driven Bordeaux-varietal blend inspired by the wines of the left bank of Bordeaux.
Winemaker: Ross Mickel
Syrah-driven blend including Roussane and Viognier, inspired by the great wines of Hermitage and Côte-Rôtie.
COLLABORATION III
SYRAH
COLLABORATION IV MERLOT BLEND
Winemakers: Mark McNeilly / Mike Macmorran
100% Syrah, inspired by the great wines of Cornas.
Winemaker: Carolyn Lakewold
Merlot-driven Bordeaux-varietal blend inspired by the wines of Pomerol and St. Emillion.
COLLABORATION V
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
COLLABORATION VI
SYRAH
Winemaker: Chris Gorman
100% Cabernet Sauvignon, inspired by the great wines from the left-bank of Bordeaux.
Winemaker: James Mantone
Mourvèdre, Syrah and Grenache inspired by the great wines from the southern Rhone valley.
COLLABORATION VII
SYRAH
RESERVE
SYRAH
Winemaker: Chris Peterson
Syrah, Rousanne and Viognier inspired by the great wines of the northern Rhone valley.
Only made in certain vintages where the fruit from Ciel du Cheval warranted a special Syrah bottling.
PTERA
RESERVE
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, Ptera was only made in a few vintages and has become a mailing list favorite.
100% Cabernet Sauvignon that comes two-thirds from Ciel du Cheval and one-third from the Force Majeure Estate vineyard. Aged in 100% new French oak.