New World Rhone Style Wines

Please join me for a night of New World Rhone Style wines. at Akdeniz, a favorite Turkish restaurant in Midtown West. The wines will be a selection of Syrah, Syrah blend, and Mourvedre. Plus the usual white wine starter. 3 of the wines will come from Force Majeure, one of my favorite WA State wineries.

Here is a link to Akdeniz' menu

Just a reminder of our usual rules:

The cost of this event is $43 and is for the wines and corkage. You will also have to pay the cost of your food (plus 33% for tax and tip). Please order at least two courses (i.e. a main dish and appetizer ). There are very few restaurants that allow us to bring our own wine for a low corkage.

NOTE: Meetup has started charging a "Partner Fee" that is above and in addition to the listed price of the event. It is annoying and confusing, but there is nothing I can do about it. It comes to approximately $4 more for each RSVP. You will see this charge when you complete your rsvp and pay for the event. MEETUP+ members are exempt from this charge.

Please read and understand the group's cancellation policy. If you take spot, then cancel, and no one else takes the spot, you will not receive a refund or credit. No refunds or credits will be given for no-shows or late cancellations (unless someone else takes your spot). All cancellations are subject to a $6 service fee.

Lastly: NO DRINKING AND DRIVING

The Wines (notes will be distributed at the dinner):
2021 Force Majeure Viognier Force Majeure Vineyard ($70) - JD (92-95) points, "Scheduled to be bottled in July and brought up in a mix of stainless steel and used barrels, the 2021 Viognier Estate is brilliant stuff offering pure, classy Viognier notes of white peach, toasted almonds, brioche, and smoky, salty minerals in a full-bodied, rich, textured style. I love its texture, it's balanced, and is clearly an outstanding Viognier in the making."

2021 Block Wines Syrah Ankleroller Block Stones Speak Vineyard ($46) - Owen Bargreen 94 points, "“The outstanding 2021 Block Wines ‘Ankleroller Block Stones Speak Vineyard’ Syrah is a resounding success from this great vintage for red wines. Once on the nose this takes on smoldering stones, Umami, green peppercorns and charcuterie notes. The palate is soft and refined with serious elegance and good underlying verve. Neatly textured, this is drinking beautifully right now. Drink 2024-2032."

2019 Force Majeure Mourvèdre Les Volés ($90) - JD 96 points, "The 2019 Mourvedre Les Voles comes all from the estate on Red Mountain and is another incredible wine from this team. Redcurrants, darker cherries, sandalwood, violets, and white pepper are just some of its nuances, and this beauty hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a plush, layered mouthfeel, remarkable purity, and a great, great finish. Drink it over the coming 10-15 years, if not longer. (Drink between 2022-2038)"

2019 Force Majeure Parabellum Coulée Rhone Blend ($40) - JD 94 points, "What can be thought of as the entry level Rhône blend from this estate, the 2019 Parabellum Coulee is based on 76% Syrah, 11% Grenache, 7% Mourvèdre, and the rest Cinsault and Counoise. Rocking red and blue fruits, white pepper, leafy herbs, graphite, and crushed stone define the nose, and it's medium to full-bodied, has terrific purity, plenty of tannins, and a great finish. Drink this impressive Syrah over the coming 10-12 years. (Drink between 2022-2034)"

2019 Lagier Meredith Syrah ($50) - From Napa Valley, CA. This winery is no more, as the owner retired and sold off everything. 2021 was the final vintage. WS 93 points, "Keenly structured and well-buffed, this red offers deep blackberry, smoked meat, licorice and pepper flavors that finish with big but polished tannins. Best from 2023 through 2030. 295 cases made. (drink 2023-2030)"