Ft. Ryan Patrick Redhead Red and Milbrandt Merlot 2017
I adore the Pacific Northwest. Grey is my favorite color, I like drizzle, and I look best in layers – all making quintessential Washington State quite possibly my perfect habitat. Dreary afternoons and men who wear flannel – does it get any better? Oh! And there’s great wine, you say? Totally in.
Most (hah 99%) of the grapes in Washington are grown in the Columbia Valley Region, which makes up about 1/3 of the state. Some incredible wines are grown here from mega producers like Chateau Ste. Michelle and Charles Smith to much smaller family-owned vineyards that are just as amazing. I really enjoy Columbia Valley Rieslings (my go-to hiking wine, don’t judge me). But today we’re going to talk about two of my favorite reds from Washington: Milbrandt Vineyards’ Merlot (2017) and the Redhead Red from Ryan Patrick Wines. I had the chance to visit both tasting rooms last summer in Leavenworth and they didn’t disappoint.
First up, the Ryan Patrick Redhead Red. To be perfectly honest, I first started buying this about a year ago simply because of the name. But it is solid. If I’m headed to a party and want wine that stands out, but I don’t like the host enough to impress them with a pricey wine, this is what I grab. At under $10 a bottle, grab 2. Redheads stick together, especially sexy ones. Game recognizes game. I don’t make the rules. Anyway, Redhead Red. Style and substance – everything a hot redhead should be.
Smell – 3.5/5 – So to be perfectly candid, the first thing I notice is an herby note that’s surprising. Almost like a parsley note. I like it! But if you don’t like grassy herbaciousness right off the bat, consider yourself warned.
Sip – 4/5 – What I love about this wine is the crisp blend of three beloved red wine grape varietals – cabernet sauvignon, merlot, and syrah.
Savor – 5/5 – Again, this wine is under $10. But I dare you to remember that after a glass or so. Personally, I am blown away by how excited I was to keep sipping. I could just put a straw in the bottle, and as much as I love red wine, I don’t say that very often. If you like an undercurrent of currant (undercurrant?), just a hint of dark chocolate, a maybe a touch of candied orange zest, this is the wine for you.
In the same neighborhood is Milbrandt’s Merlot. At $15, it’s more than the Redhead Red but still a comfortable price point for opening on a random Thursday.
Smell – 4/5 – Oh guys, the deep cherry and pomegranate notes here are pleasing like you wouldn’t believe. I don’t drink much merlot, and every time I try this wine, it makes me want to reconsider.
Sip – 4/5 – At first taste, this wine is light and bright. There’s a similar herbiness to the Redhead Red, but this skews more mint that marries perfectly with the cherry. Like an old-timey soda. But better. And wine-like.
Savor – 4/5 – This wine finishes round and dry, and reminds me of happy, warm vanilla.
I hope you give both of these wines a try this fall. This whole post has me longing to get back to Washington, so if you need me, I will be over here packing.