GSM blends – blends with Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre – have been widely popular with origins in France’s Rhône region. GSMs are typically Grenache or Syrah heavy with Mourvèdre used as a mixing grape. In Crazy Mary, Mark Ryan, known for his bold power wines, flips the order and highlights an 81% Mourvèdre blend with the remainder coming from Grenache and Syrah. This dark-skinned, heat-loving grape thrives in Washington’s Red Mountain AVA. This wine is smooth, round, and well balanced. Powerful pink peppercorn provides a continuous undertone with leather, vanilla, cocoa, black cherry, wild strawberry, and pencil shavings. Mark Ryan has been a leading producer in the high-end Washington wine scene and sources from some of the top vineyards in Washington with the 2022 vintage of Crazy Mary sourced from Ciel du Cheval and Quintessence Vineyards. I recommend pairing this wine with filet mignon or another lean red meat option.
Mark Ryan Winery, Red Mountain (Columbia Valley, Washington) Mourvèdre 2022
By Vince Simmon