Mark Ryan Winery 'The Dissident' Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2023

Winemaking

Mark Ryan is known for crafting bold, age-worthy Cabernets that balance power with refinement. The winery's philosophy centers on sourcing premium fruit from carefully selected Columbia Valley vineyards and allowing the wine to express both varietal character and terroir through thoughtful extraction and oak aging.

Tasting Notes

The Dissident opens with inviting aromas of cassis and ripe plum, layered with subtle oak spice that frames without overwhelming. On the palate, this full-bodied Cabernet reveals structured tannins supporting flavors of blackberry and dark cherry, with whispers of cocoa and graphite minerality adding complexity and grip. The finish is long and elegant, with the tannins lingering gracefully alongside echoing dark fruit—a wine built for the cellar but already drinking with polish.

Producer

Mark Ryan Winery is a Washington-based producer focused on premium Bordeaux varietals from the Columbia Valley region. The estate is known for meticulous vineyard selection and a commitment to producing wines of intensity and aging potential without sacrificing elegance or approachability in their youth.

Terroir

Columbia Valley is Washington's largest wine appellation, spanning nearly 11,000 square miles across the state's interior plateau. The region's warm, dry climate—moderated by morning breezes from the Pacific and cool nights—creates ideal conditions for Cabernet Sauvignon, allowing for full ripeness while maintaining natural acidity. Well-drained volcanic and glacial soils provide excellent mineral definition and drainage.

Food Pairings

This wine shines alongside herb-crusted lamb chops or a bone-in ribeye with roasted root vegetables. For something a touch more composed, try pan-seared duck breast with a cherry gastrique, where the wine's dark fruit and minerality will echo the sauce beautifully. Casual grilled burgers with aged cheddar and caramelized onions also make an easy, satisfying match.