I always enjoy visiting Mark Ryan in Woodinville. The fun and festive, laid back atmosphere makes their Woodinville tasting room a must visit for neophytes and wine lovers alike. Over the past decade or so Mark Ryan has gained a great reputation for producing high quality and rich red wines. Mark Ryan McNeilly's story is really good, as I interviewed him earlier this year (http://www.washingtonwineblog.com/blog/2018/6/14/interview-with-mark-ryan-mcneilly-owner-of-mark-ryan-winery). He founded Mark Ryan Winery in 1999 and was largely self-taught as a winemaker. Mark finally settled on a Woodiville warehouse location in 2003 and has continued producing wonderful wines since that time. In particular his Long Haul and Dead Horse red wines have gained International acclaim and the current releases were just gorgeous. He is gaining a very good reputation for Vioginer. Mark’s 2017 Mark Ryan Viognier (WWB, 92) is a beautiful wine that shows really good range and poise. He also produces a crazy good Chardonnay, his 2017 Mark Ryan ‘Olsen Vineyard’ Chardonnay (WWB, 93). Not to be outdone his 2016 Mark Ryan ‘The Dead Horse’ Cabernet Sauvignon (WWB, 94) is a show-stopping rich wine that is one of the best 2016 red wines that I have sampled thusfar. Learn more about these great wines at http://www.markryanwinery.com Here is the great new lineup by Mark Ryan.
2017 Mark Ryan Viognier- Sourced from both the Olsen and Red Willow Vineyards, this standout bottling is best served a touch on the warm side for aromatics to be fully expressive. Once aroused, this unveils a bouquet of honeysuckle, white peach and mango, showing its exotic side. The combination of weight and astringency is really good here. Pink Lady apple, tangerine zest and lychee with starfruit flavors come to mind. Finishing with lovely heavy cream I can see this cellaring well for nearly a decade. Drink 2018-2025- 92
2017 Mark Ryan ‘Olsen Vineyard’ Chardonnay- Showing off a bright hue, this begins with aromas of toasty oak, lemon zest and banana. The texture to this wine is simply marvelous as the mouthfeel entices. Vanilla cream, Pink Lady apple and bananas foster flavors all beautifully combine in the glass. This is just a stunning effort by Mark Ryan that artfully combines tension and opulence. Drink 2018-2028- 93
2016 Mark Ryan ‘Wild Eyed’ Syrah- This 100% Syrah was sourced from Red Mountain and immediately shows off its inky color. Needing a one hour decant to be fully approachable, this Syrah begin with a rich bouquet of Asian spice, crushed mint and blackberry jelly with smoky undertones. The palate shows good minerality and richness, as dark and red fruits mingle with coffee ground flavors. Really well-balanced, this is classic Washington hot climate Syrah that has the potential to age well over the next decade. Drink 2018-2028- 92
2015 Mark Ryan ‘Lost Soul’ Syrah- The 2015 is an awesome effort by the talented winemaking team at Mark Ryan. Sourced from the esteemed Red Willow Vineyard in the Yakima Valley, this begins with aromatics reminiscent of black olive tapenade, blackberry cordial and black cherry preserves. The palate shows good richness and terroir. Earthy tones connect with black tea, blueberry pie and black olive tapenade. Rich, and downright impossible to resist right now, this great wine will be best enjoyed over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2018-2028- 93
2016 Mark Ryan ‘Long Haul’ Merlot- This inky colored Merlot wine has a touch (9%) of Cabernet Sauvignon blended in with lesser parts Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. This starts off with aromatics reminiscent of red cherry preserves, mocha, anise and creosote. The palate shows a silky texture with a generous mouthfeel. Red bell pepper, red cherry preserves, mocha and crushed mint flavors all entice. This is a simply outstanding effort by Mark Ryan. Drink 2018-2030- 93
2016 Mark Ryan ‘Little Sister’ Merlot- The ‘Little Sister’ Merlot was sourced from the Columbia Valley. The wine shows a wonderful purity of fruit with bright bing cherry and herbal tones completing the enticing aromas. The palate is plush, revealing a nice decadence and minerality. A beautiful saline steak runs through this gorgeous Merlot that mingles red and dark fruits with mocha. Mark Ryan continues to impress and this bottling is no exception. Drink 2018-2030- 93
2015 Mark Ryan ‘Water Witch’ Red Wine- The 2015 ‘Water Witch’ is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon with 30% Merlot and a touch of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. This starts off with aromatics of loganberry preserves with milk chocolate shavings. Downright delicious flavors greet you on the mid-palate with milk chocolate, dark cherry and roasted figs. Enjoy this awesome wine over the next decade. Drink 2018-2028- 92
2016 Mark Ryan ‘The Dissident’ Red Wine- The 2016 ‘The Dissident’ by Mark Ryan is a blend of largely Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Surprisingly the smaller parts of Cabernet Franc and Petite Verdot are showing prominently right now on the nose, as sage and earthy tones come out in full force. The texture to the wine is really gorgeous, with very light tannins up front. Red cherry candy, sagebrush, Arabica coffee and red bell pepper flavors emerge, enticing the senses. This is a truly sensational wine that will cellar well over the next decade or so. Drink 2018-2028- 93
2015 Mark Ryan ‘Lonely Heart’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2015 ‘Lonely Heart’ Cabernet is a gorgeous wine by Mark Ryan. There is a wonderful purity of fruit here. Deep, layered and decadent flavors await reminiscent of dark chocolate, black olive tapenade, black cherry compote and a touch of baking spices. Enjoy this great wine for a decade or more. Drink 2018-2028- 93
2016 Mark Ryan ‘Dead Horse’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The ‘Dead Horse’ is almost entirely comprised of Cabernet Sauvignon. Black tea, black olive tapenade, mocha and crushed mint aromatics all impress in the glass. The palate is exceedingly plush, showing wonderful richness and elegance. Black tea, mocha, anise, creme de cassis and black cherry cordial flavors all entice the senses. The tension and richness makes this a stunning bottling. Drink 2018-2033- 94
2015 Mark Ryan ‘Old Vines’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2015 Mark Ryan ‘Old Vines’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a limited production wine that was aged in 80% new French oak prior to bottling. The oak influence is evident on the nose alongside dark fruits and coffee grounds. The balance and weight on the mid-palate is lovely. Dark cherry, cigar box, black olive and cassis flavors mingle nicely together. Drink 2018-2028- 93