At a glance

Producer

Mark Ryan Winery

Region

Columbia Valley, Washington, USA

Grape variety

Cabernet Sauvignon

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Bone Dry

Typical price

USD $35–$45

Tasting profile

Layers of blackcurrant, plum, cocoa, cedar, subtle herbs; evident but approachable tannins.

Evolution: Fruit and oak integrate further, savory notes and secondary complexity emerge, tannins soften.

At peak: Maximal aromatic complexity and integrated texture by 2025-2028; after that, tertiary elements dominate.

Structure

Acidity

Medium, balanced

Tannins

Medium to high, polished

Alcohol

14.5% ABV (typical)

Aging potential

Good; can age 6–9 years from vintage

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2025 to 2028

Optimal window

2024 to 2030

Current status

Drinkable now but will benefit from cellaring

Current condition

Structured, fresh tannins, vibrant fruit

2021 is a classic, structured vintage for Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine is built to mature gracefully for several more years, with a mid-term peak that emphasizes balance, depth, and expressiveness.

Food pairing

Grilled ribeye, roast lamb, hard aged cheeses, portobello mushrooms, lentil stew.

Serving

Decant

Yes (30 minutes) — The wine has medium to high tannins which can benefit from aeration to soften and enhance its flavors.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 5/10

Mark Ryan Winery employs regionally common sustainable viticulture such as deficit irrigation, integrated pest management, and reduction of synthetic inputs. No information on renewable energy or advanced water recapture. Packaging uses standard glass and cork closures; no lightweight bottles.

This producer embraces some core sustainability practices such as responsible water and input use, but lacks formal certification and transparency on energy/carbon reduction or environmentally innovative packaging. Overall, the wine is reasonably eco-conscious for a mid-size US producer but not an industry leader in verified sustainability.