2020 Mark Ryan Dead Horse
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Tasting notes
The 2020 Dead Horse Cabernet Sauvignon, made with 8% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot, offers a rich bouquet of baking spices, spiced plum compote and hints of blueberry blossoms and dusty black raspberry skin. With a full-bodied profile and 14.9% alcohol, it presents a juicy mouthfeel complemented by soft dried herbs, turned earth and pencil lead notes before a firm tannic grip takes hold. The Cabernet unfolds gracefully across the palate, culminating in a generous, spicy finish. The wine aged 21 months in 65% new French oak barrels. Enjoy with food. 2,371 cases produced.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Eric Guido, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Leading off the flagship releases from this terrific estate, the 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon Dead Horse is 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, and splashes of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. It's closed aromatically yet has attractive red and black fruits, some spicy, mineral notes, medium to full body, and ripe, supple tannins. I like its balance, and I suspect it will benefit from 2-4 years of bottle age.
A mentholated mix of dried black cherries, sage and mint makes the 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon Dead Horse a total pleasure on the nose. This is silky smooth with cooling acidity that helps to motivate its red fruits as an air of sweet inner rose and spice forms toward the close. The 2020 cleans up beautifully through the finale, leaving subtle tannins and a contrasting mix of dark, dark chocolate and sour citrus to linger. I love the sense of refinement and purity here.
Notes of dark cherries and mulberries with purple flowers, red licorice and earth. Medium- to full-bodied, chalky and velvety with a vivid, fruity finish. Drink now.