First, I love the name. This blend of 47% merlot, 30% cabernet sauvignon, 14% cabernet franc, and 9% petit verdot from Washington-based Mark Ryan is surprisingly dense, a meaty wine that showcases peppery beef jerky, dried blackberry, and some dried spices — cloves, marjoram, and rosemary. The finish doubles down on that BBQ beef note, with smoky burnt end and fresh leather — and notes of licorice just a hint of fresh-squeezed blackberry juice. With time in glass, a dark chocolate note emerges. Intriguing on its own, but best when paired with a bold — bold — meal.

B+ / $32 / markryanwinery.com

2017 Mark Ryan Monkey Wrench Columbia Valley

$32

8.5

Rating

8.5/10

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Christopher Null

Christopher Null is the founder and editor in chief of Drinkhacker. A veteran writer and journalist, he also operates Null Media, a bespoke content creation company.

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