95pts Jeb Dunnuck

Based on 75% Syrah, 15% Mourvèdre, and the rest Cinsault and Counoise, the 2021 Parabellum Couleé sports a deep ruby/plum hue to go with rocking levels of red and black fruits as well as peppery herbs, violets, and some meaty, spicy background nuances. It might go undetected in a blind lineup of top Hermitage. It benefits from air and will evolve for 10-15 years in cold cellars. It's a gorgeous wine."

Us: Jeb hit the description of this wine out of the park—super-rich in texture and super-easy to love, the new Coulee is screaming right out of the bottle. Note: while it might be crazy to call a wine of its price a great value, when you consider the quality, the fruit sources (Force Majeure's Red Mountain and Walla Walla Estate vineyards), and the winemaking, we'll make the case anyway.

Whether you think of this as a Syrah (it's 3/4) or a Syrah-based blend, just think of it as a gorgeous bottle of wine that you're nuts not to check out. What struck me most was the seamless, melty texture and feel which carry you from deep black fruits to savory Syrah accents, from power and depth to brightness and elegance, all with ease.

Winemaker Notes

Made utilizing meticulously farmed grapes from the estate vineyards on Red Mountain and in the Walla Walla Valley, these wines receive the same care and attention in both winemaking and viticulture as the upper-tier Force Majeure wines. Our goal with Parabellum is to produce two beautiful and approachable wines that are reflective of their varieties and terroir, without constraints on blending. These wines will age gracefully for years, yet are crafted with an eye toward more immediate consumption. Parabellum provides an opportunity to savor an authentic wine of distinction at a great value.