Mark Ryan Long Haul Red 05: A rock opera of a wine-massive and monumental. The nose has mocha and sweet allspice, black currant, black plum, and black cherry liqueur. Plums, black currants, and hints of mixed berries and sweet black cherries with dense notes of licorice, slate, pencil lead, and smoke. The tannins are very present and youthful, but are balanced by the huge, huge fruit and perfect acidity of the 2005 vintage. The Long Haul is no simple big red, its complexity and structure require air or time to unwind. Like the Dead Horse, the Long Haul softened and integrated beautifully over the course of several days, the luscious Merlot and Cab Franc combining to offer power chords to bring the house down.
Ciel du Cheval Vineyard fruit from Red Mountain: 52% Merlot, 41% Cabernet Franc, and 7% Petit Verdot.
Not currently available to order.
May be out of stock or sold out. Inquire at 541-752-7418 or store@avalonwine.com
Detailed Info, Previous Vintage Notes, Reviews:
Previous Vintage Tasting NotesSeattle Times says "Also from Ciel du Cheval, this Pomerol-styled red was tasted a few weeks ahead of its planned November release. The black cherry fruit, with a dark mineral and graphite undercurrent, rides on a river of acid into the silky finish of coffee and buttery chocolate. Beautifully structured and - there's no better word for it - hedonistic."
Seattle's Wine Squire says: "It's about time young man! We have waited a very long time for the debut wine from this Washington State winemaker. Mark Ryan's Long Haul is a fantastic example of where Washington winemaking is heading. Great extraction of color and intense aromatics of dark berry fruit, cassis, leather and smoke fill the glass. The seductive nose of this wine is prelude to its magnificent texture and flavors. Its explosive flavors of black cherry, licorice, vanilla and warm brown spices glide through the palate. The texture and mouthfeel of the wine may just be its greatest attribute. The Long Haul offers up silky tannins and a velvety smooth structure while still maintaining it's full-bodied appeal. This is quite a wine and a spectacular first effort from what I would consider Washington State's hottest new winery."
