Mark Ryan Water Witch Red Wine 08

This witchy animal is the tightest of the 3 new releases. Burly but showing great purity. 67% Cab, 31% Merlot, 2% Malbec. Best to leave this in the cave for 4 years or so.

2008 Wine Spectator - 92 points - Big-boned, rich and flavorful, a mass of black pepper-accented blackberry, cherry and tar character that picks up the tempo on the long, raucous finish. Needs time to settle. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Malbec. Best after 2013. - H.S.

2007 Vintage Tasting Notes

2007 Wine Spectator - 93 points - This firm red is focused like a laser to display its black cherry, blackberry, licorice and savory herb flavors, shooting past the refined tannins to a distinctive finish. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Best from 2011 through 2017. 418 cases made. - H.S.

2006 Vintage Tasting Notes

The Water Witch 06 from Mark Ryan Winery is a monster - a massive yet approachable mouthful of over the top, huge flavor. The scent is lush- white violets, chocolate, cherry sundae, vanilla and black cherry. Flavors of black cherry, plum, and cassis mix with bittersweet chocolate, licorice, vanilla, leather, and toast. As the wine lingers and finishes, a hint of milk chocolate begins to emerge. The 2006 Water Witch could not be more hedonistic and appealing. Highly recommended for those who like their wines huge and crowd pleasing.

This wine is made entirely from fruit from the Klipsun Vineyard on Red Mountain. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, it shows stunning characteristics of ripe blackcurrants, crushed black raspberries and an intoxicating caramel spice. Named for Mark's grandfather who was a water locator for many decades in eastern Washington, this new addition is a beautiful compliment to the Long Haul and Dead Horse.

58%Cabernet Sauvignon, 42%Merlot

70% New French Oak – 30% once used French Oak

Cooperage: Saury, Sylvan & Quintessence

2005 Vintage Tasting Notes

The most open and plush of Mark's new releases begins with scents of bittersweet chocolate and black cherry with a subtle undercurrent of white flowers. Rich, lush black cherry candy flavors, black raspberry, ripe plums, toasted bittersweet cocoa beans. Finish is long, long, long with more sweet fruit, chocolate, and dried tobacco. Silky, well integrated tannins and a balanced acidity add a refreshing lift to a hefty, succulent, wicked red.

2005 Wine Spectator - 91 points - Velvety in texture, with a firm underpinning of acidity and refined tannins to the black olive-scented cherry and clove flavors, persisting gently on the long, focused finish. Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Best from 2009 through 2015. 300 cases made. - H.S.