Mark Ryan Dead Horse Ciel du Cheval Cabernet Sauvignon 2011
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Robert
Parker
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
More firm, concentrated and structured, the 2011 Dead Horse is Mark’s Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated blend and checks in as 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, all from Red Mountain. Aged for 21 months in 72% new French oak, it’s slightly brooding and backwards with black fruits, smoked earth, coffee bean and spice box aromas and flavors as showing with some aggressive swirling. Medium to full-bodied, fresh, beautifully balanced and with big minerality on the finish, it’s a serious Washington blend that will reward 2-4 years in the cellar and have 15-20 years of ultimate longevity.
93-95 points
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2012-
Robert
Parker
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Robert
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Wine &
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Over a decade later, Mark Ryan Winery has grown in size, earned acclaim from wine-lovers and critics alike, and garnered respect from the state's elite producers. The goal, however, remains the same. Make delicious wines that represent the vineyard from which they come, making every vintage better than the last.
As Washington’s leading grape variety, Cabernet Sauvignon covers more vineyard acreage than any other variety in the state and continues to attract well-deserved notoriety and praise from critics and consumers alike. This popular variety finds a natural home in Washington’s eastern side, where an arid, continental climate and diverse soils of sandy loess and basalt give Cabernet its distinctly intense, Washington character. Concentrated in black currant, black cherry, forest floor and cocoa qualities, Washington’s best Cabernet Sauvignons have a bold richness, seamless texture and great longevity.
Cabernet leads the way in Washington’s Walla Walla, home to some of the state’s oldest wineries. Along the Columbia River Gorge, Horse Heaven Hills remains the source of some of Washington’s highest desired Cabernet Sauvignons. Yakima Valley, on the northern border of Horse Heaven Hills, includes Washington’s oldest Cabernet Sauvignon vines while the Wahluke Slope has one of the hottest and driest climates where strong summer winds blow, ensuring both smaller leaf size and grape clusters. The result is top quality wines with great concentration, phenolic ripeness and body.