Friday, November 20, 2020

2015 Mark Ryan Water Witch

Thank goodness it's Friday!  It's been a busy week for me and I'm looking forward to relaxing a bit this weekend ahead of the holiday.  So tonight I've opened a bottle of wine I randomly came across in the cellar (don't ask me why I haven't opened this wine for a couple years) the 2015 Mark Ryan Winery Water Witch!  This wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (60%), Merlot (30%), Cabernet Franc (8%) and Petit Verdot (2%) from the Quintessence Vineyard in the Red Mountain AVA of Washington.  So let's see how this wine is tasting!

2015 Mark Ryan Water Witch

The wine is an inky black at the center, with bright garnet along the edges.  The nose is a cascade of wild berries, blackberry, raspberry, strawberry and cassis lingering over aromas of vanilla bean and spice.  The taste is a voluptuous burst of black fruit that washes over your palate before transitioning nicely to some notes of cocoa powder midpalate.  The tannins are finely structured, providing a velvety mouthfeel and excellent structure to the long, smooth dry finish that bites back with some white pepper spice and tarragon.


Prime New York Strip with Béarnaise and grilled white asparagus

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's just a pleasant drinking Bordeaux style blend that highlights the craft of Washington.  This wine would pair well with a range of hearty fall dishes, from braised short ribs to wild mushroom risotto, lamb chops to beef stew.  Tonight I am enjoying this wine with a rare grilled Prime New York strip topped with béarnaise sauce and served with some grilled white asparagus.  Cheers!

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