Mark Ryan McNeilly launched this second label in 2008 with The Vincent Red Wine, and it remains the flagship wine of the BTR brand. While the vineyard sourcing is not disclosed for this tier, the top-shelf Mark Ryan reds pull from more than a half-dozen of Washington’s premier vineyards – either on Red Mountain or prime Yakima Valley plantings. That explains why this blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (60%), Merlot (25%) and Malbec overtakes many others at its pricepoint. Black cherry, mocha and light toast aromas lead to a deliciously balanced, medium-structured drink of plum, Craisin and pomegranate. There’s a lick of NECCO wafer in the finish of Montmorency cherry.
Rating: Excellent
Production: 8,000 cases
Alcohol: 14.5%
Given to me as a gift this 2017 Columbia Valley Red. I have tasted many wines over the years and visited many many winery’s from Calif to the Northwest. My first smell swirl, and taste was a WOW factor in the wines smoothness and taste. After my first glass, I quickly hid the remaining wine for later enjoyment when others were not around. I would certainly recommend this wine at a candle light dinner for two.