2015 Mark Ryan Dead Horse Cabernet Sauvignon

Happy Saturday! I must admit tonight's wine lead me to a bit of housecleaning, or "reorganization" if you will.  So yesterday I received my "Big Dissident" wine club shipment from Mark Ryan Winery, and I started feeling a bit guilty as I realized in addition to the two boxes I received Friday, I had eight boxes in my cellar that I still hadn't opened!  So I committed to rotating my stock and opening a box to drink tonight, alas I opened a box that contained the 2015 Dead Horse Cabernet Sauvignon.  This wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (88%), Merlot (8%), Cabernet Franc (3%) and Petit Verdot (1%) from the Ciel du Cheval, Klipsun, Obelisco and Quintessence Vineyards in the Red Mountain AVA of Washington.  So let's see how this tastes!

Ok, I have to admit that I poured a glass of this wine and went out to the deck to just enjoy it and my first thought was, "Wow..."  This is the sort of Washington Cabernet that will make all those Napa Valley Cabernet Snobs just crap themselves (pardon my French).  The nose is a cascade of leather, graphite, green grass and black fruit that signals to your brain that something special is coming right at you.  The taste is a rush of blackberry, cherry and smoky elements that just elevate your senses, like a splash of cold water on you face where you exclaim, "What just happened?!?"  The tannins are velvety smooth and expertly integrated, making for a long, velvety smooth and exceptionally dry finish that rivals m view of perfection.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9.5, though I could go higher as I just thoght this wine was fantastic (so glad I let it sit for a couple years!).  This wine would pair well with the biggest of steaks (and tomorrow I'll be enjoying another bottle with friend and a prime rib roast) but tonight I'm enjoying this wine with some crispy fish tacos along with some mango sriracha slaw and jalapenos!  Cheers!