In case you missed it, Mark Ryan Winery released their new 2018 Lonely Heart, 2018 Old Vines, and 2018 Water Witch vintages earlier this last week.

We had the opportunity to visit their Woodinville tasting room to try the new releases for ourself. Keep reading below for an overview of our tasting experience.

Mark Ryan Winery’s tasting fee is $15. Their tasting fee is credited back with every $40+ bottle purchase. They are open daily from 12-5pm. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially Friday-Sunday, and each reservation allows for a tasting that lasts a little under an hour.

We sat outside at one of their tables featuring comfortable lounge furniture. These outdoor tables are perfect for a group of 4 or less (accommodations can be made for groups of 5). Beyond their outdoor lounge seating, they also have various bistro style stables located underneath a tent. All outdoor seating options have heaters nearby and we were perfectly cozy with a heavy coat during this time of year. Each tasting flight showcases five wines. In celebration of their new vintages, their tasting flight featured the following wines:

• 2019 Chardonnay: 100% Chardonnay from Olsen Vineyard.
  Their 2019 Chardonnay presents a vibrant, straw hue and perfumed aromatics along with green apple and juicy pear. The crisp acidity balances harmoniously with integrated oak. On the palate, it gives baking spices, hints of honey and lemon curd, and peach flavors. It’s elegance continues with a lengthy, clean finish.
• 2017 Lost Soul: 100% Syrah from Red Willow Vineyard
  The Lost Soul is a single vineyard representation of Red Willow syrah and is a combination of two blocks of Syrah planted on very different soils. This wines aromatics feature eucalyptus, tobacco, and spearmint. On the palate, it gives baker’s chocolate and notes of blackberry.
• 2018 Water Witch (New Release): 71% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot from Quintessence Vineyard.
  Aromatics-raspberry jam and violets. On the palate -cherry cola, roasted plum, and tobacco.
• 2018 Old Vines (New Release): 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Ciel du Cheval and Klipsun Vineyards.
  Aromatics- blackberry, bakers chocolate, and baking spice. On the palate- cherry compote and tarragon.
• 2018 Lonely Heart (New Release): 99% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Petit Verdot from Quintessence and Obelisco Vineyards.
  Aromatics- dried tart, cherries, and smoked meat. On the palate- blackberry cobbler, cocoa powder, and anise.

“This year’s releases of the 2018 Lonely Heart, 2018 Old Vines and 2018 Water Witch are a labor of love for our loyal fans and customers. Coming off of our 20th anniversary and into a new year, we are excited about the extraordinary quality we are seeing in the fruit for all our Mark Ryan brands of wines, fueling our ability to innovate and deliver exceptional and approachable Washington wine.”

About the new releases

2018 Lonely Heart

For the 2018 Lonely Heart, they utilized fruit from three distinct blocks at Quintessence Vineyard, one of Washington’s finest sites for cabernet sauvignon. The combination of these blocks create a multilayered wine with dynamic complexity. Specific oak cooperage is thoughtfully selected to draw out the innate beauty and power in the wine without overwhelming the aromas and flavors. Once fermentation is complete, the wine is lightly pressed to barrel where it will age for 21 months in 97% new French oak. 99% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Petit Verdot.

2018 Old Vines

The 2018 Old Vines Cabernet Sauvignon honors some of the oldest and most well-respected vineyards in the state. At the core, Klipsun offers powerful Red Mountain character with intense dark fruits, excellent palate weight, exquisite texture. Ciel du Cheval provides mouth-filling flavors of complex, sweet fruit and spice. Old vines are more self-regulating in the vineyard, offering lighter crops, smaller berries and extremely concentrated aromatics & flavors. Aged for 21 months in 86% new French oak. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain AVA.

2018 Water Witch

In 2012, they partnered with Quintessence Vineyards to plant a 13.6 acre block on the south slope of Red Mountain. They worked hand-in-hand to transform the vineyard with meticulous site selection, variety and clone selection, and vine density and orientation. This culminated in the reincarnation of an original wine in the Mark Ryan lineup: Water Witch. After selecting the top performing blocks, they are very excited with the results. 71% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot, Red Mountain AVA.

About Mark Ryan Winery

Established in 1999 by Mark Ryan McNeilly, Mark Ryan Winery is an acclaimed Washington winery based in Woodinville, just north of Seattle. A largely self-taught winemaker, the first vintages were crushed and produced in garages of friends and family—in the years since, the winery has grown in size, earning respect and acclaim from wine lovers and critics. McNeilly introduced his Board Track Racer line in 2008 and Megan Anne Cellars, which showcases Oregon pinot noir, in 2016. The goal has always been to make delicious wines that stand as true representations of the vineyard from which they come. For more information, visit www.markryanwinery.com.