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Review: the ghost in the machine Columbia Valley Red Wine 2010

When I bought this bottle at Costco, I did not realize that this wine was made by Chris Gorman of Gorman Winery and Mark Ryan McNeilly of Mark Ryan Winery. After a little research, I learned that the 2010 ghost in the machine is part of a collaborative wine project now named The Giant Wine Company.  Chris and Marks goal? To produce reasonably priced wines for newer wine drinkers. In a word “accessible” wines.

I've met Mark a couple of times, the first time was last year at Revelry on Red Mountain and the second was earlier this year at Taste Washington Seattle. He's tall of stature, friendly, a winemaker who's earned many accolades. Once you taste his wines, you'll understand why they are so highly sought-after. I have not had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Gorman, he's now on my list. I suggest you buy this red wine. It will be the most affordable Mark Ryan/Chris Gorman wine you will ever find. It's also very good.


The Giant Wine Company
Photo: the ghost in the machine Columbia Valley Red Wine 2010.
Tasting notes:
Color: clear, dark garnet, pale violet rim.
Nose/Taste: Sexy (at first taste it was the first word that popped in my head), exotic, blackberry pie, steamed plum, cherry, smoky, cocoa, tobacco, medium body, silky smooth finish of casis, tarragon and coffee. The ghost in the machine was immediately approachable, just open and pour. With some air and about an hour, when I paired this red wine with dinner, it seemed Syrah dominant, with notes of lovely violets, black currant and smooth tannins filling out the finish. The blend is not listed on the bottle. For dinner I made chicken curry fried rice and grilled steaks. The steaks I marinated in a blend of soy sauce, cola, garlic, smoked paprika and coffee. I added sliced mushrooms, green onions and carrots on the grill. Dinner was grand.

The 2010 ghost in the machine was very easy to drink. It had some wonderful elements and is also inexpensive. Plus I like the design of the embossed label. This is a big “bang for the buck” Washington red wine made by two talented Washington winemakers. Perfect for experienced palates and those new to Washington red wine, this is a buy me drink me wine. Don't leave it in the cellar or a closet, the 2010 ghost in the machine is ready to drink now. Recommended.

Closure: screw cap
ABV 14.4%
Paid: $9.69 at Costco.

On the bottle:
Cellared and Bottled by
The Giant Wine Company
Benton City, Washington, USA
www.GiantWine.com

On the Website:
Giant Wine Co.
195011 144th Ave NE, C1200
Woodinville, WA 98072
P:206.351.0719
F.425.485.2925
Info@GiantWine.com

Cheers!
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