Brynn writes:
What a name for a wine, right? Normally I would think a wine labeled “Dead Horse” would be a turn off for many wine drinkers, but then I tried it.
As promised from an earlier post, this wine was my favorite of the day from my recent visit to the Mark Ryan Winery tasting room in Woodinville. My three friends agreed, Dead Horse had our vote for favorite Mark Ryan wine of the day.
This, along with his Long Haul, which I reviewed previously, is a Bordeaux blend. But unlike the Long Haul, which was merlot dominant right bank blend, this one is a cab heavy blend, meaning it represents the left bank of the Bordeaux region.
This was the last wine we tasted at Mark Ryan and clearly they saved the best for last (and also the most expensive). The nose was rich, the color deep and the hints of vanilla from time spent on oak smoothed out the tannins on the finish of this wine.
Here’s what the winery says about its Dead Horse:
Tasting notes:
Aromas of blackberry, violet, and raspberry combine with layers of tealeaf, tobacco, bramble, mint, cracked black pepper and clove. The palate is rich and supple with elements of cocoa and vanilla bean. The texture is refined with elegant tannins.
Best from 2012 through 2018.
Vineyard Source:
- Klipsun Vineyard, Red Mountain
- Ciel du Chaval Vineyard, Red Mountain
Blend:
- 60 percent Cabernet Sauvignon
- 15 percemt Cabernet Franc
- 11 percent Malbec
- 8 percent Merlot
- 6 percent Petit Verdot
Alcohol: 14.7 percent
Release Date: November 18, 2011
Production: 850 Cases
Price: $52
