2017 Mark Ryan Crazy Mary Mourvèdre

Happy Saturday!  I have to admit I have been looking forward to some virtual wine tasting this weekend in conjunction with Sean Sullivan of the Washington Wine Report who is conducting a virtual tasting and tours of wineries that were a part of Taste Washington that was scheduled for this weekend but unfortunately was cancelled with all the pandemic issues affecting all of us.  So I encourage you to visit Sean's site (see Virtual Taste Washington) and participate in the fun!  I am doing my part by opening a bottle of 2017 Mark Ryan Crazy Mary Mourvedre.  This wine was a recent wine club release and it's a 100% Mourvèdre from the Ciel du Cheval and Force Majeure Vineyards in the Red Mountain AVA of Washington.  So let's see how this wine is tasting!

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, with a dark center, somewhat reminiscent of a nice Merlot.  The nose is an intriguing mixture of chewy blackberry and blueberry intermingled with leather and a hint of vanilla with a bit of smoke over the top.  The taste is a real departure from what your nose was expecting, with a rush of black cherry cola up front that transitions nicely to some notes of tobacco, peppery spice and a bit of mint midpalate.  The tannins are velvety smooth in support of the luxuriously dry and long finish.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's just a fantastic example of new world style in an old world varietal.  This wine would pair well with a range of Mediterranean dishes, from classic bouillabaisse, to roast lamb to fresh pasta.  Tonight I am enjoying this wine with an oven baked Cajun spiced wild Alaskan pollock filet with some oven roasted asparagus.  The fruit and spice of this wine really pair well with a mild white fish like this.  Cheers!