Mark Ryan Winery sources all of their fruit from farmers in eastern Washington but it is their special relationship with Quintessence Vineyard that allowed them to choose what to plant on a highly-desirable 13.6 acre plot in the Red Mountain AVA. Mark Ryan then uses the best fruit to make this powerful Bordeaux-styled blend in a truly Washington way. The 2019 Water Witch captures the complex and rich Red Mountain fruit showing both red and black fruit with a little pepper and a little smoke — the first time I’ve tasted either pepper or smoke in a Water Witch vintage. I love it. This blend (62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot) is one of Mark Ryan’s top wines, one that is worthy of your cellar space and/or wine glass.
Mark Ryan Winery, Red Mountain (Columbia Valley, Washington) 2019
By Vince Simmon