Mark Ryan "Badlands" Red 03

Very, very limited and sold out at the winery, an intense. huge, aromatic wine, smokiness, vanilla, spice in the nose, a wide range of jammy, fruity cherry, brandied berry, spice, and toasted coffee bean on the palate, and a long, tightly structured finish. A real cult favorite from a nice guy who really knows how to make'em monstrous. 66% Syrah from Kiona Vineyard, 34% Petit Verdot from Ciel du Cheval Vineyard, an unusual blend with flavors balanced between the two varietals - black cherry, smoked meat, toasted coffee bean, spice, hints of dried herbs, minerals, and a longgggg finish make this wine a real standout in the ranks of Washington Syrahs.

Seattle Times said: "Also in his fourth vintage, winemaker Mark Ryan McNeilly has added two new red blends to his lineup. The 2003 Gun Metal Red is lush but not jammy, showing classic herbal-cabernet notes along with bacon and smoke, cedar and plum. There is also a wonderful new 2003 Bad Lands Red blended from Red Mountain syrah and petit verdot. The benchmark Long Haul and Dead Horse reds will be released later this fall. These are clearly the best wines yet from an important new winery. Beautiful packaging also." Paul Gregutt, 10-6-05