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

The 2023 Dissident bursts with aromas of black cherry, cassis, espresso, and baking spice. On the palate, ripe dark fruit meets notes of cocoa, graphite, and subtle vanilla. Fine-grained tannins and bright acidity bring lift and balance, while the long, layered finish showcases Washington’s trademark combination of richness and freshness.

Quick Facts

• Region: Columbia Valley, Washington, USA
• Varieties: 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot
• Vintage: 2023
• Farming: Sustainably farmed vineyards across Red Mountain & Walla Walla AVA
• Winemaker: Mark Ryan McNeilly
• ABV: 14.5%
• Aging: 20 months in French oak (40% new)
• Production: Limited release

Tasting Profile

• Aromas: Black cherry, cassis, espresso, and cedar spice
• Palate: Full-bodied yet focused with dark berry fruit, graphite, and cocoa powder
• Finish: Long, savory, and polished with fine tannins and lingering mocha

Why We Love It at Petit Philippe

The Dissident represents Mark Ryan’s signature style — uncompromising quality and approachability in a Cabernet-driven blend. It’s a refined expression of Washington power that overdelivers for its price point, bridging new-world fruit with Bordeaux balance. This is a Petit Philippe favorite for those who love structure, depth, and drinkability in equal measure.

Winemaking

Sourced from top sites throughout the Columbia Valley — including Quintessence, Obelisco, and Klipsun vineyards — The Dissident is crafted as a blend of lots not selected for Mark Ryan’s single-vineyard wines but still of exceptional quality.

• Fermentation & Aging: Small-lot fermentations, gentle extraction, and aging in French oak barrels (40% new) for 20 months create texture and elegance.

• Blend & Style: Cabernet dominant with Merlot and Cabernet Franc for lush mid-palate and lift; Petit Verdot adds color and structure.

• Farming Practices: Sustainable vineyard management focused on preserving fruit purity and regional character.

Aging Potential: Drink 2025–2033. The wine’s balance of ripe fruit and fine tannin promises beautiful evolution in bottle.

Vintage Notes: 2023 was a temperate season in Washington, producing Cabernets with fresh acidity and focused fruit — a return to classic balance after the warmer 2022 vintage.

Serving & Pairing

Serve at ~60–65°F after decanting for 30 minutes. Perfect alongside grilled ribeye, short ribs, mushroom risotto, or aged cheddar. The wine’s bold fruit and polished structure also make it a natural match for braised lamb or charred vegetables with herb butter.

Drinking Window

Enjoy 2025–2033. Delicious young for its vibrant fruit and velvet tannins, with potential to gain complexity and spice over the next decade.

Estate Overview

Founded in 1999 by self-taught winemaker Mark Ryan McNeilly, Mark Ryan Winery has become one of Washington’s most respected boutique producers. Sourcing from the state’s premier vineyards in Red Mountain and Walla Walla, the wines embody power, precision, and a distinct sense of place. “The Dissident” acts as the estate’s calling card — a blend that captures the essence of Mark Ryan’s craft: bold yet balanced, modern yet unmistakably Washington.