89
points
Ryan Patrick 2001 Red (Columbia Valley (WA))
-
$29
Tasty, though rough, it comes on with chocolatey fruit, green coffee bean tannins, sweet toast, and ultimately, a very pleasing set of flavors. The cherry fruit, nuanced with tobacco leaf and herb, prevails over the somewhat rustic structure.
— P.G.
(12/1/2004)
88
points
Ryan Patrick 2002 Rock Island Red (Columbia Valley (WA))
-
$18
Named not for a railroad line, but the winery’s home town, this blend remains essentially the same as 2001 — 56% merlot, 39% cabernet sauvignon and 5% cab franc. Shows a rougher profile, with big flavors of raw meat, plum, grape and earth. The core of pure, sweet cherry fruit ramps up the quality, which is excellent for the price.
— P.G.
(12/1/2004)