Red Mountain: Our Commitment to Washington’s best Winemaking Region
When it comes to crafting some of the best Washington wines, the name Red Mountain is well known as a standard for excellence. At Mark Ryan Winery, our journey began on Red Mountain in 1999, when we received fruit for our first vintage from Ciel du Cheval vineyard, and our deep-rooted connection to this premier AVA (American Viticultural Area) continues to define our wines today.
Winemakers Mark McNeilly and Mike Macmorran
Why Red Mountain?
“Luck brought us to Red Mountain—exceptional quality has kept us here.”
Nestled within the Yakima Valley AVA, which is part of the larger Columbia Valley, Red Mountain is one of Washington State's smallest AVAs, but has a mighty impact. Known for its ideal growing conditions combining heat, wind, and unique soil composition, this region produces fruit with exceptional structure and richness—the starting point for world-class wines. Red Mountain grapes strike the perfect balance between big structure that you might expect from Old World wines, and bold fruit-forwardness that is definitively New World. This balance is the foundation of our winemaking style at Mark Ryan Winery, and one of the reasons that we believe that Red Mountain produces some of the best wines in Washington.
Our Commitment to the Vineyards
In the years following our first haul of grapes in from Ciel du Cheval in 1999, we have continued to build lasting partnerships with the vineyards on Red Mountain. In 2005 we began sourcing grapes from Klipsun—two decades later the fruit for some of our most acclaimed wines, including DEAD HORSE and OLD VINES continues to come from this vineyard.
One of our most rewarding partnerships is with Quintessence, where we partnered in 2012 to plant a custom 13.5-acre block referred to as the WATER WITCH block. No expense was spared in the development of this world-class site, leading to exceptional intensity, depth, and balance in wines sourced from this block.
While we also have strong relationships with vineyards from other AVAs, including Yakima Valley and the Horse Heaven Hills, we are a Red Mountain focused winery.
Our vineyard Partners on Red Mountain:
Quintessence Vineyard on Red Mountain
Our Winter Release Wines: A Red Mountain Showcase
This February, we’re thrilled to introduce three exceptional wines that epitomize the quality and character of Red Mountain. They are all from the 2022 vintage which was another banner year for Washington wines. A cooler, wetter spring gave way to a long, warm and prolonged summer, culminating in a late harvest season and extended hang time for the fruit on Red Mountain. The result is vibrant acidity, developed flavors, and impressive structure—this vintage will impress both now and in the years to come.
2022 WATER WITCH: A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot, all sourced from our custom block planted in 2012 at Quintessence Vineyard. With 100% new French oak aging, this wine offers an expressive bouquet, where dark cherry mingles with freshly ground espresso and sweet tobacco notes. A generous finish is dominated by lingering ripe boysenberry notes.
2022 OLD VINES: Crafted from our oldest blocks from Quintessence, Klipsun, and Ciel du Cheval vineyards, this Cabernet Sauvignon showcases the depth and complexity that only mature vines can deliver. With 83% new French oak, it’s a beautifully structured wine with both fruit and non-fruit components. The palate delivers impressive concentration, showcasing intense black cherry fruit and notes of cacao and vanilla that add depth and nuance. The texture strikes an elegant balance, with supple tannins providing structure and a remarkably persistent finish that continues to evolve in the glass.
2022 LONELY HEART: Our reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, this year all from Block 9 at Quintessence Vineyard is a barrel selection of our favorite fruit and an example of our winemaking at its best. The palate unfolds in layers, showcasing macerated berries alongside rich mocha coffee notes and thoughtfully integrated sweet oak. The substantial structure reveals itself through firm, well-developed tannins that provide excellent grip and persistence making this wine exceptionally cellar-worthy.
Learn more about our Winter Release wines and join us for the celebration on February 7th, 2025!
Why Cabernet Sauvignon Shines on Red Mountain
One of our favorite varietals to work with from Red Mountain is cabernet sauvignon. This grape thrives on Red Mountain, benefiting from the warm climate and well-draining soils. The conditions produce small, concentrated berries with bold flavors and structured tannins, resulting in a perfect balance between drinkability and age-worthiness. For us, winemaking starts in the vineyard, selecting and cultivating the best fruit. Cabernet sauvignon from Red Mountain is definitely among the best Washington has to offer. When working with such great fruit, our job is simple: to take great care to let these natural qualities shine. By choosing oak treatments that enhance, rather than overpower, the fruit’s inherent character and intervening as little as possible throughout the winemaking process we aim to continue producing some of the most sought after wines in Washington.
The diversity of REd Mountain Varietals
While cabernet may be king in Washington State, and on Red Mountain, the growing conditions allow for a variety of exceptional fruit. This includes other Bordeaux varietals like merlot, malbec, cabernet franc and petit verdot, Rhone varietals such as grenache, syrah, and mourvèdre, and much more.
While these varietals provide blending components for cabernet driven wines like our Dead Horse Cabernet Sauvignon, we also produce other varietal focused wines from Red Mountain such as the Wild Eyed Syrah and our fan favorite Crazy Mary Mourvèdre. Our newest sauvignon blanc is even a single origin wine from Quintessence vineyard.
Experience the Best of Washington Wines
Mark Ryan Winery’s dedication to Red Mountain reflects our commitment to showcasing the best of Washington wines. Whether you’re a fan of cabernet sauvignon, exploring varietal expressions, or collecting structured and cellar-worthy wines, our Red Mountain portfolio delivers something extraordinary for every palate.
Visit our tasting rooms in Woodinville and Walla Walla to discover how Red Mountain inspires us, enjoy our wines, and learning more about our Washington winemaking story.
