From: Columbia Valley, Washington, USA
Varietals: 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot
Tasting Notes: Producer Tasting Note:“85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot. Dark notes of ripe blackberry, black currant, cigar box, and baking spices on the nose. On the palate this wine has vibrant acidity, firm tannins and a full body. Intense flavors of ripe blackberries, tobacco, and vanilla lead to a savory, spicy finish.”
Pairing: Its vibrant acidity and firm tannins complement the robust flavors of a grilled ribeye steak or slow-braised beef short rib and pair beautifully with the wine’s full body and savory, spicy finish, as the wine's acidity balances the meat's richness. For a poultry option, consider roasted duck breast with a blackberry glaze or mexican chicken mole! The complex, savory, and slightly sweet mole sauce enhances the wine's cigar box and baking spice aromas. A classic beef bourguignon, with its tender meat and rich sauce, grilled lamb kebabs with mint yogurt sauce, or lamb chops with a rosemary and garlic rub.
Spiced Lamb Meatballs With Yogurt and Herbs
By David Tanis
About. Mark McNeilly, the founder and driving force behind Mark Ryan Winery, grew up in the Pacific Northwest, which instilled in him an early appreciation for the region’s natural beauty and agricultural potential. Before venturing into winemaking, McNeilly worked in various roles, including the technology sector. His career path wasn’t initially toward winemaking, but his passion for wine eventually steered him in that direction. McNeilly’s interest in wine grew during his twenties, inspired by tastings and visits to wineries. His fascination with the complexities and nuances of wine prompted him to learn more about the craft. Lacking formal training in enology, he pursued winemaking through a hands-on approach, learning through trial and error, extensive reading, and invaluable mentorship from established winemakers in the region.
1999, McNeilly produced his first wines, operating out of a garage. The initial batches were small but laid the foundation for Mark Ryan Winery. Starting with limited resources, McNeilly faced numerous challenges in the early years, juggling multiple roles from winemaker to marketer to ensure the winery’s survival and growth. Despite the hurdles, his dedication to quality quickly paid off. His wines garnered positive reviews and began to attract a loyal following. The unique character of the wines, combined with McNeilly’s storytelling and branding, helped establish a strong identity for the winery.
From the beginning, McNeilly emphasized producing wines of exceptional quality. This philosophy meant focusing on meticulous vineyard management and innovative winemaking techniques. He aimed to create wines that reflected the distinct terroir of Washington State by sourcing grapes from premier vineyards in regions like Columbia Valley and Red Mountain. Unafraid to experiment, McNeilly constantly sought new ways to improve his wines, exploring different varietals, blending techniques, and aging methods to achieve the desired profiles.
Over the years, Mark Ryan Winery expanded its production and portfolio, growing from a small garage operation to a significant player in the Washington wine scene. The winery has received numerous awards and high ratings from wine critics, solidifying its reputation for excellence. As a respected figure in the industry, McNeilly has also taken on a mentorship role, helping to nurture new talent and contribute to the growth of Washington’s wine community.
The Mark Ryan family of wines now includes wines under different labels other than the Mark Ryan Winery label, including Board Track Racer, 216 Miles To Go, Megan Anne, Manu Propia, Numbskull, Underground Wine Project, and Lu & Oly, which this wine comes from.
Today, Mark McNeilly continues to lead the winery, ensuring that the original vision and commitment to quality remain intact. The winery’s tasting room in Woodinville has become a popular destination for wine enthusiasts, offering a firsthand experience of McNeilly’s craftsmanship and the winery’s hospitality.
The Board Track Racer project began in 2007 with The Vincent Red. Mark wanted to create a lineup within the Mark Ryan family of wines ready to drink upon release and wallet-friendly for everyone. Maintaining the uncompromising quality of all Mark Ryan wines was paramount, and critics and loyal customers have well received the wines ever since.
