Sign In

2016 Force Majeure Vineyards Epinette

Not Currently In Auction

Latest Sale Price

March 20, 2022 - $70

Estimate

RATINGS

96Jeb Dunnuck

...huge bouquet of blackcurrants, black cherries, smoked earth, chocolate, and cedary spice, this flamboyant, powerful beauty hits the palate with loads of fruit, has sweet tannins, no hard edges, building tannins, and a huge finish.

94Vinous / IWC

Violet lift to the aromas of blackberry, black raspberry, licorice, subtle peppery herbs and minerals... Finishes with big tongue- and tooth-saturating tannins that are a bit more suave than those of the Cabernet.

93Wine Spectator

Bold, yet polished and complex, with expressive red currant, toasted cinnamon and tarragon notes that build richness toward broad-shouldered tannins.

92The Wine Advocate

...nose wafts with elegant red and black fruit that is ripe and seductive. Black raspberries and chocolate-covered berries spin out of the glass with soft herbal tones and supporting oak essence. Medium to full-bodied on the palate... The wine lingers long on the finish with a steady expression and focused aftertaste.

REGION

United States, Washington, Yakima Valley, Red Mountain

Yakima Valley AVA was the first AVA created in Washington State. The valley, a 600,000-acre area in south central Washington, was granted AVA status in 1983. In 1984 Columbia Valley was given AVA status, and Yakima Valley was enclosed within the Columbia Valley AVA. Nevertheless, Yakima Valley remains home to the largest concentration of vineyards and wineries in the state. There are more than 60 wineries and some 16,000 vineyard acres, and nearly 40% of Washington wines are made with Yakima Valley grapes. The most frequently planted grape is Chardonnay, followed by Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Winemaking here dates to 1869, when a winemaker from Alsace planted grape vines. Vineyard planting and wine production plodded along slowly until the early 1980s when numerous modern pioneers started making well-reviewed Yakima Valley wines. Some of the state’s newest, most closely watched appellations, including Red Mountain AVA and Horse Heaven Hills AVA, are contained within Yakima Valley.