Rich black cherry, roasted poblano pepper, pomegranate glaze. Creamy blackberry, smoky tobacco, chocolate raspberry torte. An opulent and almost-impenetrable onslaught of crème de cassis, strawberry reduction, and dark plum highlight a remarkably deep and densely extracted core awash with notes of eucalyptus, coriander, and tar. Hints of anise, sage, and basil leaf fervently emerge revealing rugged herbal complexity while a strikingly aromatic floral streak spills wafts of violet and wild rose. Integrated impressions of dark roast coffee, singed orange peel, and lavender crème brûlée provide flashes of surprisingly restrained decadence accentuated by a spice rack of powdered cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove. Beneath its expressive upper registers lie brooding suggestions of graphite, asphalt, and cast iron skillet that hauntingly expose deeply-ingrained dark minerality. Impressively rich, powerful, and intense on the palate while remaining seductive and approachable; exhibiting a compelling and intellectually stimulating balance between enviable fruit concentration and layered savory charm. Full bodied with powerful pixelated tannin fleshed out by elevated acidity. This 2018 Parabellum Alluvio by Force Majeure is an impressively muscular and multidimensional Bordeaux-style blend from the Columbia Valley.   

While the classic grapes of Bordeaux are now commonly produced as single-varietal wines, these legendary varieties still reach some of their most compelling expressions when carefully blended together. This bottling, crafted by Force Majeure using 43% Cab Franc/27% Merlot/20% Cab Sauv/10% Petite Verdot sourced from within Washington & Oregon's Columbia Valley, is an outstanding example of the natural propensity for Bordeaux grapes to be shaped into complex and delicious blends. Made in a concentrated yet expressive style this wine erupts from the glass with a medley of rich and extracted fruit embellished with pronounced herbal, spiced, and earthy charms. It is rich and decadent while remaining delightfully serious and precise, which is unquestionably the result of top-quality fruit and winemaking. Bravo.