Ciel du Cheval Force Majeure Kiona Klipsun Obelisco Red Willow Quintessence Olsen

Ciel du Cheval


Owned and operated by Jim Holmes and managed by Ryan Johnson, Ciel du Cheval has helped pave the way for the fine wine grapes on Red Mountain. With 120 acres under vine, Ciel du Cheval is a major contributor to Mark Ryan wines. The very first vintages of Dead Horse and Long Haul were packed with fruit from Ciel du Cheval, a tradition that continues to this day.

Balancing polish and refinement in its power and depth, Ciel represents a feminine compliment to Klipsun's brazen muscularity. The vines are planted in a fan trellis system, which provides a more-dense canopy to shield the clusters from the intense heat of the site. This style of management allows the grape's sugars to develop harmoniously with its concentration and physiological ripeness, showcasing deep fruit flavors balanced with non-fruit complexity.


Force Majeure


Force Majeure is an ultra-premium winery located in Washington State, specializing in estate-grown, single-vineyard Bordeaux and Rhône-inspired wines. Located in the famous Red Mountain AVA and is painstakingly farmed by a stellar team headed by Dick Boushey. “Force Majeure” describes the relentless, powerful elements of Nature that form the terroir of our vineyard. It also identifies the “unstoppable force” initiated when the highest level of viticulture is combined with the highest level of winemaking talent.

Kiona


Kiona vineyard was one of the first planted on Red Mountain. In 1975, John Williams and Jim Holmes planted the first vines on 84 acres. Jim went on to create Ciel du Cheval while Kiona is still owned and operated by the Williams family. Managed today by John's son Scott, Kiona contributes a combination of deep, complex aromas and flavor with polished structure and balance.

Klipsun


Named by Wine and Spirits magazine as one of the Top 25 vineyards in the World, Klipsun is truly a Washington icon. Located on the western edge of Red Mountain AVA, the vineyard was planted in 1984 by David and Patricia Gelles. There are currently 120 acres planted to vines, managed by Julia Kock. Klipsun fruit is all about power. It's placement on Red Mountain exposes the vines to strong nighttime winds that thicken the grape's skins, making a smaller berry with dense fruit concentration and broad-shouldered structure. These conditions, coupled with the natural, consistent heat of Red Mountain create a wine of big, bold aromas and muscular intensity and power.

Obelisco


A relative newcomer to Red Mountain, Obelisco was planted in 2006 and is a partnership between Doug Long, Paul Kaltinick and Dick Shaw. The vineyard is managed by Marshall Edwards. From the first harvest in 2008, we have had the great pleasure of working with their Cabernet Sauvignon. Obelisco fruit represents a true archetypal Cabernet profile with great texture and length.

Red Willow


Red Willow vineyard is one of the oldest vineyards in the state, a true Washington pioneer. Owned and operated by Mike Sauer, his wife Karen, sons Jonathan and Daniel, and son-in-law Rick Willsey, Red Willow remains a family operation. The vineyard is located on the Yakama Indian Reservation, on steep south-facing slopes in the Cascade foothills, in the Yakima Valley AVA. The first wine grapes were planted in 1973 under the direction of Dr. Walt Clore.We have been fortunate enough to begin working with fruit from Red Willow in 2008. Red Willow represents classical non-fruit qualities with beautiful balance and grace.


Quintessence

Quintessence Vineyards is a 410-acre parcel of land with a base elevation of 675 feet, rising to 1,025 feet as it reaches Red Mountain AVA's southwest-facing slopes. Quintessence founders Dick Shaw and Paul Kaltinick planted their first vines as partners on Red Mountain in 2010. They launched Quintessence with a planting of 68 acres along Red Mountain's southwestern slope. Positive response was immediate, with customers pointing to "world class vineyard management" and "spectacular fruit" as some outstanding attributes. Additional planting followed, with similar success. Now, with the expansion along the eastern ridge and slope of Red Mountain, Quintessence will encompass some 300 acres in total. Quintessence is made up of premium land, a talent for farming, dedicated management, ideal growing conditions, and a love for what they do.

 

Olsen

Leif Olsen's Yakima Valley AVA vineyard consistently produces some of the highest quality and most sought after grapes in the region. The first vines were planted in 1980, with the most recent planting in 2005. Vines sprawl over 800 acres over a wide variety of slopes, aspects, and elevations. Viognier, Syrah, and Petit Verdot are sourced from Olsen for Mark Ryan Winery wines. Mark and Mike have also collaborated with Leif to plant 7 acres of high density Grenache, Syrah, and Mouvedre on ancient soils at 1200-1300 feet of elevation which will come to fruition in 2016.