The Honest Pour with John Lenart

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Todd Alexander, Winemaker, Force Majeure

Force Majeure, 2013, Force Majeure Vineyard, Syrah, Red Mountain 

Deep inky purple color. Aromas of blackberry and black pepper, leather and fresh violets. Big bold texture with lots of minerality. Flavors of blackberry pie, plum, cocoa, and cardamom. Luscious texture balance beautifully by bright acidity

SRP $70

Force Majeure, 2013, Force Majeure Vineyard, Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain 

Nose of cassis, fresh flowers and black fruit with good minerality. Dusty tannins that should settle with age, but still a sexy velvety texture. Delicious, well integrated flavors of dark red to black berries, cola, cocoa, leather. Long finish.

SRP $95

Now available on iTunes, Stitcher, Soundcloud and Google Play. Click Subscribe above.

Check out our new sponsor Fooditor.com,  the total Chicago food experience, bringing you the stories of Chicago’s chefs, restaurants, and people who make food all over town, in words, pictures, video and audio. Read local– read Fooditor.com.

Michael Cruse, Cruse Wine Co., and Ultramarine

Cruse Wine C0., 2015 Monkey Jacket, Red Blend

Super fun bright magenta color. Shy nose of plum, spices and a hint of grape jelly. Blackberry flavors with a touch of violet backed up with a fair amount of tannin. Lush texture. Fun to drink.

SRP:  $25

Cruse Wine C0., 2015 Valdiguie

Nose of pretty pink roses and under-ripe strawberry. Red fruit flavors with watermelon rind, jolly rancher and a hint of black pepper backed up by bright acid and bold tannins. May need decanting.

SRP:  $25

Ultramarine, 2011 Rosé, Charles Heintz Vineyard

Unapologetically Californian fruit. Nose of strawberry, earth, toasted biscuit. Strawberry and more complex red berry flavors a bit smokey and a touch of mint. Refined, elegant texture.

SRP:  $65