Red Mountain Terroir: The Real Deal

Red Mountain AVA is a compact but mighty appellation–only about 4,000 acres total and 2,200 planted. With just five inches of rainfall annually, intense southwest sun, significant diurnal swings, and mineral-rich soils with high calcium, this environment delivers exceptionally structured, concentrated fruit. Winemakers describe the wines as having bold power and chalky mineral spine—this is Cabernet and Syrah with presence, length, and age-worthiness.

Enter Louis Skinner: A New Era

In March 2025, Force Majeure brought in Louis Skinner as their new estate winemaker. Previously at Betz Family Winery, his deep roots in Washington—working at DeLille and Betz since around 2010—give him intimate knowledge of local terroir. Owner Paul McBride noted that Louis is precisely the leader to further elevate their estate wines, especially as they navigate Red Mountain’s nuanced tannins and textures.

A Strong Foundation

Under former winemaker Todd Alexander (2014–2025), Force Majeure gained global recognition—he oversaw the move to Walla Walla and the expansion of the estate tasting room. Now, with Ryan Johnson returning to manage vineyards and Louis Skinner steering the wines, the winery is poised to double down on its mission: crafting benchmark expressions of terroir in both Red Mountain and The Rocks District.

Force Majeure is more than a winery—it’s a dynamic narrative of ambition, terroir, and craftsmanship. What started as a “Great Dream” has grown into an estate with real muscle and soul. With fresh leadership and unwavering dedication, I can’t wait to see where Louis Skinner and Co. guide the wines next. If you can, make an appointment and experience it personally—you’re in for a special journey.

Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon Vertical

FORCE MAJEURE Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain 2012

The 2012 Force Majeure Cabernet Sauvignon from Red Mountain pours a luminous medium ruby, edged with a faint bluish tinge that signals its evolving maturity. Nearly a decade on, it retains stunning freshness and refinement, a rare feat for a wine from such a powerful vintage. Aromatically, it’s a study in contrast and complexity—layered scents of marionberry compote, charred cedar, and sweet pipe tobacco are grounded by damp forest floor, shaved truffle, and cracked white pepper. As it unfolds on the palate, there’s a deep pulse of black cherry, plum skin, and savory herb, all framed by silk-gloved tannins and a line of racy acidity that carries through with poise. The balance here is extraordinary—dense yet lifted, plush yet controlled, with each sip revealing more subterranean depth. There’s an earthy gravitas beneath the fruit that whispers of time and terroir.

97points. 

2025-2035

FORCE MAJEURE Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain 2013

The 2013 Force Majeure Cabernet Sauvignon from Red Mountain shows off a deep purple-ruby core that glows at the edges with a glistening violet hue. In the glass, it’s an aromatic force—intensely layered with notes of ripe black currants, warm boysenberry tart, roasted fennel, and black licorice laced with damp soil and dried citrus rind. There’s an exotic undercurrent, where the scent of ground espresso and smoldering herbs emerges gradually, adding depth and intrigue. On the palate, it strikes a poised balance between plushness and power, gliding effortlessly with its silken texture and medium-full body. The fruit is vivid and dense, but never overbearing—each layer met with a counterpoint of savory spice and mineral tension. What stands out most is the wine’s seamless feel, where richness meets lift and density meets finesse. It’s a masterclass in Red Mountain Cabernet, capturing both strength and detail in perfect tandem.

97 Points

2025-2035

FORCE MAJEURE Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain 2014

The 2014 Force Majeure Cabernet Sauvignon from Red Mountain is a powerful blend of 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, with 3% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot. It pours a dense, opaque purple-garnet with an inky rim that hints at its concentration. The bouquet is intense and enveloping, unfolding with layers of ripe blackberries, dried fig, bittersweet chocolate shavings, and toasted cedar, all laced with notes of vanilla bean and worn leather. The warmth of the vintage is palpable—this is a bold and sun-drenched expression of Red Mountain, showcasing ripeness and breadth. On the palate, it’s rich and full-bodied, brimming with blackberry preserves, roasted plum, and spiced tobacco. Polished tannins give the wine a smooth, luxurious texture, while moderate-plus acidity keeps everything buoyant and in check. A savory thread of baking spice and charred herb drives the long, resonant finish. Despite the vintage’s heat, this wine has aged gracefully

94 Points

2025-2035

FORCE MAJEURE Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain 2015

The 2015 Force Majeure Cabernet Sauvignon from Red Mountain, a commanding blend of 96% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot, pours an impenetrable black-purple core with a halo of soft violet at the edge. Aromatically, it’s a dense and layered affair—baked black plums and wild bramble give way to dark chocolate-covered blackberries, scorched earth, and a lacing of cedar and cracked leather. There’s a luxurious quality here, with notes of crème de cassis and charred herb adding to its decadent profile. On the palate, the wine is unapologetically bold—velvety tannins wrap around a full-bodied core of dark fruit, spiced cocoa, and dried herbs. The acidity is finely tuned—moderate-plus and beautifully integrated—providing lift to the richness without disrupting the wine’s silky texture. It’s a deeply expressive Cabernet, marrying the intensity of the vintage with polish and poise.

96 Points

2025-2035

FORCE MAJEURE Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain 2016

The 2016 Force Majeure Cabernet Sauvignon from Red Mountain, crafted entirely from Cabernet Sauvignon, underwent fermentation in a mix of concrete and stainless steel closed-top tanks before aging in 75% new French oak. In the glass, it’s nearly opaque—an inky, brooding purple with a slightly brackish rim hinting at its depth and structure. The aromatic profile is captivating and layered: ripe blackberries lead the charge, joined by dried rose petals, fresh earth, and a hint of porcini mushroom. Subtle threads of lavender, forest floor, and smoldering cigar ash rise with time, giving the bouquet a haunting, almost ethereal quality. On the palate, the wine is dense yet balanced—its tannins are firm but polished, providing structure beneath a lush wave of dark chocolate, savory spice, and wild herbs. Acidity runs gracefully through the core, energizing the wine and elongating the dark, earth-toned finish. There’s an old-world soul wrapped in new-world richness here—a wine with story, presence, and staying power. 

2025-2035

97 points

FORCE MAJEURE Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain 2017

The 2017 Force Majeure Cabernet Sauvignon from Red Mountain unfolds with a regal depth and focused finesse, emblematic of a vintage that favored restraint and purity. With its dark garnet core edged by hints of ruby and cobalt, the wine evolves slowly in the glass, revealing remarkable complexity as it opens. The aromatics are layered and nuanced—ripe black cherry, dried sage, and lavender mingle with cocoa dust, cracked black pepper, and a whisper of citrus thyme. On the palate, it walks a tightrope of richness and energy, offering flavors of blueberry compote, plum skin, and loamy soil, backed by a gentle lift of blood orange zest and graphite. Tannins remain structured and firm, offering grip without aggression, while vibrant acidity gives the wine both lift and clarity. Though full-bodied, it never veers into excess—each component is precisely tuned. Now entering its prime, this 2017 vintage speaks to the potential of Red Mountain to produce Cabernets of power, elegance, and age-worthiness. An absolutely riveting wine

2025-2035

98 Points

FORCE MAJEURE Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain 2018

The 2018 Force Majeure Cabernet Sauvignon from Red Mountain is a commanding blend of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Merlot, and 2% Petit Verdot, fermented in both concrete and stainless steel closed-top tanks. In the glass, it shows a stunning inky ruby-purple core that fades into a vivid violet rim—visually magnetic and immediately inviting. The nose is dense and evocative, opening with layers of blackberry liqueur, crème de cassis, and dusty mountain herbs, interwoven with dried blueberries, cocoa nibs, and a subtle edge of cured meat and smoked spice. On the palate, this wine doesn’t hold back—it’s full-throttle, yet precisely built. Flavors of black currant, cassis, and cracked black pepper unfurl over a rich, earthy base, pulsing with dark minerality and wild sage. The tannins, though fine-grained, retain a firm edge, giving structure and longevity. Acidity is dialed in flawlessly, energizing the wine’s power and bringing clarity to its darker, brooding tones. It finishes with striking persistence, where spice, fruit, and earth continue to echo long after the last sip

98 Points

2025-2040

FORCE MAJEURE Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain 2019

This commanding 2019 Force Majeure Estate Cabernet Sauvignon from Red Mountain asserts itself as a world-class contender with its seamless blend of power, elegance, and finesse. Aromas cascade from the glass—blackberry reduction, blackberry liqueur, and black currant—woven together with graphite dust, bay laurel, smoldering tobacco leaf, and a whisper of pine needle. Mid-palate, the wine reveals deeper layers: cured leather, toasted cedar plank, and interlaced threads of dried mint and forest herbs, adding an intriguing savory counterpoint. The tannins are gorgeously fine—velvety, yet firmly structured—urging the wine forward without ever harshing its stride. Bright acidity runs beneath, lifting and brightening the dark fruit core and preserving tension throughout each sip. The texture is polished and layered; each swirl reveals fresh nuance. As it opens further, traces of iodine and crushed stone emerge, a nod to the site’s minerality and the wine’s growing complexity. The finish is remarkably persistent: chalky tannins hold court as savory and dark fruit notes linger in a slow, refined fade. This Cabernet carries both gravitas and poise, built for long-term evolution. Drinkability is high now, but those with patience will be rewarded, as this beauty is poised to develop even greater nuance over the coming 15–20 years.

99 Points

2025-2040

FORCE MAJEURE Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain 2020

The 2020 Force Majeure Cabernet Sauvignon from Red Mountain is a polished and expressive blend of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot, and 1% Cabernet Franc, fermented in a mix of concrete and stainless steel tanks before maturing in 75% new French oak. In the glass, it reveals a concentrated dark ruby-purple center framed by a faint cobalt-toned rim. The nose is intricate and vivid—think crushed blueberries, black raspberry preserves, and violets laced with charcoal dust, cocoa husk, and dried pipe tobacco. Underneath that fruit lies a firm mineral core with shaved pencil lead and scorched thyme, giving the bouquet a fine gravelly edge. On the palate, it delivers medium to full weight with finesse, showing off tightly-knit tannins that gently brush the gums while gradually softening. Layers of cassis, ripe plum skin, and spiced elderberry coat the mouth, complemented by nuances of dark baking chocolate and toasted walnut lingering toward the close. The texture is focused, yet there’s an underlying suppleness beginning to emerge. Acidity is precise and energizing, framing the wine’s breadth without distraction.

97 Points

2025-2038

FORCE MAJEURE Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain 2021

The 2021 Force Majeure Estate Cabernet Sauvignon from Red Mountain is a masterfully composed blend of 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, and 1% Petit Verdot, aged for 22 months in 75% new French oak. In the glass, it presents an opaque, midnight-black core edged by a vivid electric violet rim—its intensity is unmistakable. Aromatically, the wine is a sensory mosaic: ripe black plums and mulberries entwine with grilled rosemary, pencil shavings, and flint dust. Layers of dark cacao, sun-cured tobacco, and dried violets unfold gradually, giving the bouquet a haunting depth. On the palate, it is statuesque and bold, anchored by generous tannins that are impeccably polished, yet retain a firm edge. The flavor profile surges with brambly dark fruits, cracked black pepper, and roasted espresso bean, all framed by a vein of crushed granite and charred wood spice. There’s a tangible precision here, where richness meets restraint, and power finds harmony in structure. The acidity is finely tuned, delivering freshness without distraction, and the finish carries on in waves—bitter cocoa, scorched herb, and a final whisper of lavender.

100 Points

2025-2045

FORCE MAJEURE Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain 2022

The 2022 Force Majeure Estate Cabernet Sauvignon from Red Mountain is crafted from 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Merlot, and 2% Petit Verdot, and is currently resting for 21 months in 75% new French oak. In the glass, it opens with vivid notes of black cherries and blueberries accented by roasted sage, charcoal ember, and a whisper of dark espresso. There’s a magnetic clarity to the fruit—polished, lifted, and infused with crushed stone and hints of cocoa-dusted violets. The palate strikes a remarkable chord between richness and refinement; it’s medium to full-bodied, with a satin-like texture and softly expansive tannins that wrap the tongue without overpowering. Flavors of plum reduction, sweet pipe tobacco, and hints of scorched mineral glide through a beautifully shaped mid-palate. What stands out most is the refinement—it is supple and smooth across the breadth of the palate. Better in 2027. 

98 Points

2027-2040

Red Mountain Syrah

FORCE MAJEURE Syrah, Red Mountain 2012

The 2012 Force Majeure Syrah from Red Mountain is a breathtakingly elegant expression that defies its age, radiating freshness and aromatic lift over a decade past its harvest. Its deep ruby-blue center tapers to a pale garnet rim, hinting at both its maturity and vibrancy. The nose is wildly expressive—laden with violet petals, dried lavender, and mountain brush, intertwined with boysenberry preserves, cracked shale, and a flicker of anise. As it opens, layers of wild herbs, dried rose hips, and smoked stone emerge, offering a striking sense of place and time. On the palate, it glides effortlessly, bringing notes of blueberry skin, lemon balm, and subtle peppered meat, all wrapped in a framework of silky, sweet-edged tannins. The acidity remains moderate but perfectly integrated, maintaining lift and length without overshadowing the wine’s plush, full-bodied texture. There’s no hint of fatigue here—just poise, grace, and unfolding nuance. This Syrah is a testament to Red Mountain’s power and longevity, and to the finesse achievable with patience and precision. Still soaring, with years of brilliance ahead.

98 Points

2025-2035

FORCE MAJEURE Syrah, Red Mountain 2013

The 2013 Force Majeure Syrah from Red Mountain is a vivid and beautifully matured wine that melds concentration with aromatic refinement. Its deep ruby-purple core gives way to a vibrant violet rim, echoing the wine’s energy and depth even after more than a decade in bottle. The nose is rich with layers of crushed marionberry, blueberry compote, dried wild sage, and toasted herbs, all lifted by a savory note of smoked meat and cracked peppercorn. On the palate, it’s equally compelling—black plum skin and semi-dried blackberry give way to nuances of mint leaf, black licorice, and freshly ground white pepper. Silky tannins provide a smooth, caressing structure, while the medium-plus acidity keeps the wine lifted and focused. This 2013 vintage showcases Force Majeure’s uncanny ability to craft Syrah with both power and precision—still vibrant, texturally seamless, and absolutely alive.

97 Points

2025-2035

FORCE MAJEURE Syrah, Red Mountain 2014

The 2014 Force Majeure Syrah from Red Mountain, composed of 99% Syrah with just a touch of Viognier, pours a glowing ruby-purple at the center, framed by a gently fading, earthen-toned rim. The nose is a dynamic interplay of sun-ripened red plums, dried cranberry, wild thyme, and mineral-rich soil, laced with hints of pipe tobacco and a subtle cured meat undertone. Beneath the fruit, there’s a ferrous streak—think warm iron and dusted stone—balanced by delicate floral lift and savory spice. The palate opens with finesse and dimension: a squeeze of blood orange and a saline iodine thread add tension to the darker fruit tones. The mouthfeel is smooth and generous, medium to full-bodied, with tannins that glide seamlessly and provide a firm yet polished frame. Acidity hums gently in the background, bringing freshness and elongating the savory, spice-drenched finish.

97 points 

2025-2035

FORCE MAJEURE Syrah, Red Mountain 2015

The 2015 Force Majeure Syrah from Red Mountain is a boldly structured and harmoniously layered wine that exemplifies the vineyard’s signature strength and detail. Made entirely from Syrah, it pours a deep inky-ruby hue, edged by a glowing red rim that signals both maturity and vibrancy. On the nose, it’s captivating—dried blueberry, cracked anise seed, and sweet clove leap from the glass, underscored by hints of mountain brush, roasted fennel, and a whisper of charred salumi. The palate is rich and composed, with flavors of boysenberry compote, briny black olive, and subtle smoked game gliding across the tongue. Herbal notes of fennel frond and thyme weave through the fruit, creating a savory depth. The tannins are polished yet still hold their grip, lending a sense of structure and longevity, while the acidity remains pitch-perfect—balancing the wine’s full-bodied presence with freshness and drive. Even at a decade old, this Syrah retains its energy and density, showing no signs of slowing down.

97 Points

2025-2035

FORCE MAJEURE Syrah, Red Mountain 2016

The 2016 Force Majeure Syrah from Red Mountain is a commanding and intricately crafted wine that showcases both muscularity and finesse. Composed entirely of Syrah—with 22% whole cluster and the remainder destemmed—this vintage was fermented in a mix of concrete and stainless steel, then matured in approximately 25% new French oak, primarily in large-format barrels. In the glass, it shimmers with a brooding purple-pink hue at the core, encircled by a vivid violet rim. Aromatically intense, it unleashes a cascade of ripe blackberry, charred rosemary, smoked brisket, pink peppercorn, and wild sagebrush. The nose alone foreshadows the wine’s depth and generosity. The palate expands with a dark-fruited richness—cassis, black plum, and mulberry meld with savory black olive tapenade and a streak of graphite minerality. Despite its density, the texture remains seamless, gliding on ultra-fine tannins that give structure without weight. Full-bodied and impeccably composed, it offers both power and clarity, finishing with layers of dark spice and subtle earth.

98 Points

2025-2035

FORCE MAJEURE Syrah, Red Mountain 2017

The 2017 Force Majeure Syrah from Red Mountain is a 100% Syrah expression fermented in concrete, incorporating 25% whole clusters and aged for 18 months in large-format French oak, 23% of which was new. It pours an opaque, inky purple-blue with a vivid neon rim that hints at its youthful intensity. Aromatically, the wine is dazzling—bursting with wild huckleberries, elderberry compote, and cracked black pepper, followed by nuances of smoked brisket, dark cacao, and high desert scrub. The palate mirrors the aromatic complexity, bringing in tapenade, char-grilled game, and a streak of crushed granite that drives the wine’s savory dimension. Dried violets and lavender creep in at the edges, softening the structure and adding aromatic lift. Despite its depth, the wine remains remarkably agile, with brilliant acidity and finely structured tannins that glide rather than grip. Every element feels in sync—fruit, earth, florals, and spice—woven together with striking clarity.

98 Points

2025-2035

FORCE MAJEURE Syrah, Red Mountain 2018

Crafted with 98% Syrah and a subtle 2% touch of Viognier, this Red Mountain expression was fermented in concrete with 15% whole clusters and matured for 18 months in large-format French oak, 23% of which was new. In the glass, it unveils a deep garnet hue with a striking electric violet rim. Aromatically, the wine charges forward with notes of crushed black currants, charred rosemary, lavender, and smoky pancetta, all lifted by a faint trace of iron and warm spice. On the palate, it commands attention—broad-shouldered yet finely sculpted. Roasted figs, black tapenade, and grilled fennel intermingle with a backdrop of singed earth and spiced cocoa nibs. There’s a compelling interplay between the chewy tannic backbone and the wine’s supple texture, a credit to the Viognier’s quiet influence, which imparts just enough silk to temper the rugged structure of Red Mountain Syrah. This will go for another decade or more with proper cellaring. 

97 Points

2025-2035

FORCE MAJEURE Syrah, Red Mountain 2019

The 2019 Force Majeure Estate Syrah from Red Mountain, co-fermented with 2% Viognier, pours with a striking inky violet hue that hints at its concentrated power. It opens with an engaging aromatic medley—blackberry cordial melded with ripe black cherry, violet confetti, cracked pepper, and a savory whisper of smoked ham and wild sage. On the palate, the wine unfurls with dramatic intensity: a core of blackberry compote and dark plums gives way to accents of iron-laced wet stone and a briny tobacco leaf nuance. Lush, ripe tannins cushion the dark fruit, while the vibrant acidity carves through, lending momentum and freshness. There’s a salinity beneath it all—like ocean spray meeting mountain rock—that grounds the flavor and adds a compelling sense of place. Secondary layers of grilled fennel, espresso dust, and dried herb tapenade emerge mid-palate, deepening the complexity and adding intrigue. Despite its density, the texture is superbly polished—rich yet refined, luxurious without being heavy. The finish extends into dark cocoa, mineral dust, and lingering blackberry tea for a thoroughly satisfying close. 

97 Points

2025-2035

FORCE MAJEURE Syrah, Red Mountain 2020

The 2020 Force Majeure Syrah from Red Mountain is a finely detailed blend of 98% Syrah and 2% Viognier, incorporating 22% whole cluster fermentation in concrete tanks and matured for 18 months in large-format French oak, 25% of which was new. In the glass, it glows with a dark ruby-purple core surrounded by a neon magenta rim, immediately commanding attention. Aromatically, it unfolds with layers of sun-dried blackberries, baked blue plum, cracked pink peppercorn, and dried alpine herbs, followed by nuances of smoked pancetta, asphalt, and wilted violet petals. The wine’s mouthfeel is vivid and tightly composed—juicy yet structured—with savory tones of green olive tapenade, charred stone, and iron-laced soil pushing through the core of dark fruit. Acidity pulses with clarity, lifting the flavors and elongating the finish into an earthy, spice-driven resonance. 

96 Points

2025-2033

FORCE MAJEURE Syrah, Red Mountain 2021

The 2021 Force Majeure Estate Syrah from Red Mountain is crafted entirely from Syrah, incorporating 15% whole cluster and fermented in concrete vats before resting 18 months in large-format, neutral French oak. It shows off a striking medium-dark violet core with a pulsating electric purple halo that radiates intensity. The nose opens with a cascade of ripe black cherries and boysenberry compote, layered with dried lavender, smoked black tea, orange peel zest, and a whisper of cracked white pepper. Hints of dusty sage, clove, and iron-rich soil add earthy complexity beneath the fruit’s richness. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied yet poised, revealing a seamless structure where savory elements of charred herb and stone are wrapped in dark, luscious fruit. The tannins are plush and silken, integrating beautifully with vibrant acidity that sharpens the finish. It’s a Syrah of depth and grace, showing remarkable lift despite its muscular core.

99 Points

2025-2040

FORCE MAJEURE Syrah, Red Mountan 2022

The 2022 Force Majeure Estate Syrah from Red Mountain is an electrifying and deeply expressive wine, blending 98% Syrah with 2% Viognier in a co-fermentation that enhances both aromatics and structure. Aged in 30% new oak, it presents a nearly opaque ruby-black core with a glowing purple rim. The nose bursts with intensity, offering waves of roasted blackberries, charred herbs, cracked black pepper, and crushed rock, layered with smoked brisket and a touch of violets. The palate is bold and commanding, unveiling dark plum, espresso, and iron-rich minerality, wrapped in firm, polished tannins. Despite its power, the wine retains remarkable balance, with bright acidity carrying through to an endless, spice-laced finish. A wine of immense depth and finesse, this Red Mountain Syrah rivals the greatest Rhône-inspired expressions, promising a thrilling evolution over the next decade or more. 

99 Points

2025-2035