At a glance

Producer

Mark Ryan Winery

Region

Columbia Valley, Washington, USA

Grape variety

Cabernet Sauvignon (with Bordeaux varietals blend)

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Smooth

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$38-$50 USD (retail as of 2024)

Tasting profile

Ripe blackcurrant, plum, and black cherry with notes of cedar, graphite, tobacco, and subtle mocha. Oak is integrated, finish is lengthy.

Evolution: Primary fruit is transitioning to secondary complexity (earth, dried herbs), tannins softening.

At peak: At peak, expect harmonious fruit, softened tannins, refined structure, and matured savory nuances.

Structure

Acidity

Medium, lending freshness and balance.

Tannins

Medium to firm, polished, beginning to soften.

Alcohol

Typically 14-14.5% ABV (can vary with vintage), balanced for Columbia Valley.

Aging potential

Capable of another 3-6 years under proper storage, with graceful aging expected.

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2025 to 2028

Optimal window

2024 to 2029

Current status

Entering its early maturity; approachable now with potential for further development.

Current condition

Showing integrated fruit and oak, still carrying some youthful tannins; ready to drink or hold.

2019 The Dissident Cabernet Sauvignon is crafted for early approachability but also built with enough structure for medium-term aging. Wines from Washington’s Columbia Valley typically benefit from climate-driven balance of ripeness and acidity, reaching optimal maturity around 6-8 years post-vintage. This wine is entering that window, showing full integration of fruit and oak without significant tertiary decline.

Food pairing

Recommended with grilled steak, roast lamb, short ribs, hearty vegetarian dishes with lentils or mushrooms, and aged cheddar or gouda.

Serving

Decant

Yes (30 minutes) — The wine has medium to firm tannins that are beginning to soften, which suggests it will benefit from aeration to enhance its flavors and aromas.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 6/10

Mark Ryan Winery sources grapes from several respected Columbia Valley vineyards. The region as a whole increasingly embraces sustainable approaches, with water conservation, use of drip irrigation, integrated pest management, and responsible soil management. Winery’s communication highlights local sourcing, but lacks third-party audited energy, waste, or chemical reduction programs.

Mark Ryan Winery participates in a regional trend toward sustainability (noted in Washington State), but does not hold formal sustainability or organic certification. Irrigation is carefully managed in Columbia Valley, and vineyard partners often follow best practices for environmental stewardship. However, there is limited transparency on renewable energy use, packaging innovation, or quantifiable emissions reduction from the winery itself. As such, the score reflects solid regional practices but with room for improvement regarding documentation and formalized certification.