One of the storied wineries in Woodinville, Mark Ryan continues to deliver an impressive lineup of high-quality red and white wines. Founded in 1999 by Mark Ryan McNeilly, Mark has a great story that he was mostly self-taught as a winemaker. He finally settled on a Woodiville warehouse location in 2003 and has continued producing wonderful wines since that time. Mark Ryan is a gorgeous tasting room, near Purple restaurant, in the heart of Woodinville Wine Country. It one of the more boisterous and fun place to try wine in the area. If you have never had the chance to visit the tasting room on the weekend, it is a must visit.
For many years now Mark Ryan has received international acclaim for his red wines in particular. I adored his 2017 Mark Ryan ‘Water Witch’ Red Wine (WWB, 92) which has wonderful density and good freshness. Even better was the 2017 Mark Ryan ‘Old Vines’ Cabernet Sauvignon (WWB, 93) which is an amazing textural experience, showing gobs of dark fruits with lovely earthy undertones. Learn more about these great wines at http://www.markryanwinery.com Here are the outstanding recent red wine releases by Mark Ryan.
2016 Mark Ryan ‘Water Witch’ Red Wine- The ‘Water Witch’ is a blend of largely Cabernet Sauvignon (64%) with smaller portions Merlot, Cabernet Franc and a touch of Petit Verdot. Inky in the glass, this shows rich dark fruits and chocolate enveloped by toasty oak that fill the nose. The palate shows good richness and terroir with chocolate covered dark cherry, mocha and sagebrush flavors that all mingle beautifully. A long-ager, this is best enjoyed over the next fifteen years. Drink 2020-2033- 92
2017 Mark Ryan ‘Water Witch’ Red Wine- A blend of mostly Cabernet Sauvignon (66%) with smaller portions Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, the ‘Water Witch’ has deep and brooding aromatics of black tea, exotic spices, blackberry compote and shades of milk chocolate the all mingle in the glass. The freshness and mid-palate viscosity is really good. Deep dark fruits mingle with the sagebrush and chocolate tones. Every bit outstanding in its youth, the 2017 ‘Water Witch’ will have at least another decade of life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2033- 92
2016 Mark Ryan ‘Lonely Heart ‘Cabernet Sauvignon- The ‘Lonely Heart’ was sourced from the Red Mountain AVA and is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Once in the glass the wine picks up rich dark currant, dark cherry cordial and Turkish coffee aromas. The palate is lithe, showing a soft texture and good intensity. Dark fruits mingle with chocolate and coffee tones on the palate. This has a long life ahead of it. If enjoying in its youth, give this at least a one hour decant. Drink 2020-2033- 92
2016 Mark Ryan ‘Old Vines’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Mocha and crushed mint with sagebrush and blackberry cobbler all combine on the nose in this beautiful Columbia Valley AVA Cabernet Sauvignon. The palate shows a wonderful elegance and purity of fruit. Red and dark fruits connect with chocolate and coffee flavors alongside earthy undertones. Downright delicious now, the combination of balance and weight suggests this will cellar well for the next fifteen to twenty years. Drink 2020-2033- 93
2017 Mark Ryan ‘Old Vines’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2017 ‘Old Vines’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a sinfully good new wine by Mark Ryan. Aromatically intense, the wine has sagebrush, mocha and tar tones that are woven together with deep dark fruits and shades of pipe tobacco that all sing in unison in the glass. The weight and balance of the wine is downright awesome, as the pillowy, soft texture entices. While this provides plenty of appeal in its youth, the 2017 ‘Old Vines’ Cabernet Sauvignon will have a long life ahead of it. Be sure to give this at least a one hour decant if enjoying in its nascent phase. Drink 2020-2033- 93