2004 Mark Ryan Long Haul

[oostexan]

From what I read, this is one of the more popular Washington wines that flies under the radar (is that an oxymoron?). I have been on a Wash wine kick lately. Great wine for the dollar, though the flavor profile is a little different form Cali or France.

This wine is very deep and rich with heavy tannin. It took a good 2+ hours to open up in the decanter, and I should have given it longer. This is a wine that needs time in the cellar to open up and bloom.

Beautiful bouquet of ripe cherries, palate of deep and dense fruit with a little bit of vegetal on the finish. This is a delicious blend from Washington. Good balance, but needs time. Got it for 40 bucks and would highly recommend it for folks with the proper facilities to age wine for 2 to 5 years. Highly recommended.

I think this wine will be a monster in 2 to 3 years.

[oostexan]

Had another one of these tonight. Could not resist. Really has a concentrated burst of ripe cherries and a touch of tobacco on the mid-palate. Lots of fruit, but not flabby or over the top. Very good. Nose was restrained. Probably just needs another couple years in the cellar as I try to keep my hands off of them.