Happy Sunday! It was the first full day of leaf activity, with the blower, the vacuum and lots of tiring labor! But, at least I've caught up for a week and am ready to enjoy Sunday dinner and a glass of wine. Tonight I've opened a bottle that I recently received from Mark Ryan Winery, the 2020 Crazy Mary Mourvèdre, which is a blend of Mourvèdre (78%) and Syrah (22%) from the Ciel du Cheval and Red Willow Vineyards in the Columbia Valley AVA of Washington. So, let's see how this vintage is shaping up!
The wine is a bright ruby color in the glass, which is characteristic of the varietals. A gentle swirl of the glass unlocks aromas of strawberry, red currant and hints of smoke and pipe tobacco. Take a sip and you know you're in for a ride with crazy Mary in the driver's seat, a rush of strawberry and sweet red berry fruit up front veers into some spicy pepper notes before spinning right back to some earthy tar, tobacco and black tea notes before heading right off the cliff for some salty mineral notes on the finish. The tannins are supple and unobtrusive, making a parting gift for the long, smooth dry finish that beckons you to take another sip.
Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's one of the better vintages I've tried, with wonderfully intriguing characteristics that would be wonderful to enjoy with friends. This wine would pair well with a variety of fall dishes, from venison to roasted rack of lamb, hearty beef stew or braised short ribs, but tonight I am going the Pacific Northwest route and am enjoying this wine with salmon! Specifically, I am enjoying this wine with my Sunday dinner of crispy skin black pearl Scottish salmon, steamed brown rice and some oven roasted baby carrots and beets. Cheers!
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