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Happy 250th Birthday, America! You’re looking good on your semiquincentennial! 😎🇺🇸

Without getting too political…. Ha!

If you know me personally, you know I’m rather averse to politics becoming the topic of conversation. Sure, I have my own opinions and viewpoints, but I find that bringing them up and dying on their hill is not how I want to spend my time. Some people love to debate and they thrive on the energy of intense and spirited arguing, but for me it just makes me anxious, annoyed, etc. Perhaps it was the many years of political talk radio my parents had on ALL THE TIME that has turned me off, and most certainly all the media of the last several decades that has made it nutty.

I suppose I am just very practical, because I know merely talking about issues doesn’t actually accomplish anything, even though open debate is part of how problems get solved. People are entitled to their personal opinions, but I find that engaging in trite political arguments often further divides.

With Independence Day only a mere day away, it’s time to get serious about what we’re drinking for the upcoming holiday. And as it’s our country’s 250th birthday, the occasion calls for something especially delicious.

Today I’ve got two wines that will command your salute, evoke a sense of patriotism, and at least make you smile at their political connotations: The Chief, and The Dissident! 🙂

If you are barbecuing or grilling anything, these are two delicious Washington red blends at different price points from the same winemaker that will go with just about everything.

(And even if they don’t go *seamlessly* with your food, who cares? The wine is the point here, not the pairing. Just drink it already.)

I have tasted at Mark Ryan Winery in both Woodinville and Walla Walla, although it has been a long time since I have done so. I did recently have a glass of The Chief Red Blend while out to dinner in Tacoma. It did not disappoint so I think my recommendations still hold valid, even if it has been a minute since I’ve tasted some of the other wines. 😉

If you are a fan of Washington red blends or at least trying to familiarize yourself with Washington wine, you need to know and taste from Mark Ryan Winery for sure. School may be out until September, but your wine homework assignment over the summer is to try one or both of these bottles (no essay required, though. That would be mean). Think you can handle it? Good!

*Please note that there will be slight variations in each vintage’s composition and character. The vintage is the year the grapes were harvested and made into wine. Certain vintages reviewed here may or may not be available any more, but newer vintages of the wine are available.

Mark Ryan Winery The Chief Red Wine Blend

• Retails for $19.97 at Total Wine & More. Your bargain bottle.
• For $20 this is a boss wine. This wine has all the aroma and flavor notes of a much pricier bold red blend, but’s it’s just as heavy, rich, and luxurious. A favorite go-to Washington red I happily recommend to you!
• From Total Wine tasting notes: “Outstanding complexity, with aromas of red currant, cigar box and toasty caramel. The palate is mouth-fillingly rich with a core of black cherry, raspberry and cocoa.”
• Total Wine labels it as a red blend, but it does contain over 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, so the winery can legally list that on the label.
• This wine is in the Mark Ryan Board Track Racer portfolio of wines, which are high quality yet budget-friendly wines intended to be consumed upon release.
• The 2023 vintage, which was just released and retails for $25/bottle on markryanwinery.com, received 94 points from wine critic James Suckling! 
• I’d say he’s nailed it!

Mark Ryan The Dissident 2022

• (Yes, that is a Pearl Jam reference – a gold star for you!) 😉
• $45/bottle on wine.com and markryanwinery.com
• A little more moola, but still not too terrible, and once you taste it you’ll understand why it’s worth it
• 2022 Blend: 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, 1% Malbec, 1% Petit Verdot
• Winemaker Notes: “Opens with complex and inviting aromas of dark fruits, violets, crème de cassis, leather, black cherry, dried herbs and baking spice. On the palate, full-bodied and richly textured with dark cherry, ripe plum, and red currant flavors. Fresh acidity and elegant, polished tannins integrate seamlessly from the mid-palate through the incredibly lengthy finish.”

So, grab both bottles for your Independence Day celebration. Because when the conversation veers into politics, you can at least wander off and enjoy some superb Washington wine. And thank God that even with flaw and failure on both sides of the aisle, we still enjoy so many freedoms and blessings in this amazing country.

Now that is something political I really can get behind.

Happy Independence Day, and God Bless America! May your fireworks be loud (or quiet – whatever you prefer), and may your wine glass/Solo cup* be filled with only the great stuff today. 🙂 🇺🇸

*(In which case, make the effort and use a wine glass – it will taste so much better, I promise you.)