Mark Ryan Winery, Columbia Valley (Washington) 2022

 I have been a fan of Mark Ryan wines for over a decade.  Their notoriety and Washington influence has solidified access to some of the best Washington vineyards including Quintessence and Phinny Hill, both used in this 2022 Monkey Wrench.  At $35, this may be the most affordable of Mark Ryan’s original labeled wines, but it displays his appreciation for powerful Washington fruit.  A blend of Horse Heaven Hills and Red Mountain AVAs, this wine is full of juicy red and black fruit.  The blend is 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 5% Malbec, and 3% Petit Verdot.  Monkey Wrench enjoys 22 months of 55% new French oak aging, providing complexity and sweet tobacco, vanilla, and cocoa notes.  It handily outperforms its price point and is an easily appreciable wine for both newer and experienced wine drinkers.