You’d have to be crazy not to love this Mourvedre for its distinctive, intriguing take on this Southern Rhone grape. Mineral, flint, plum and spice notes surface in abundance—all in perfect balance. — (11/1/2012) —93

The 2008 Crazy Mary Mourvedre contains 14% Syrah sourced from the Ciel du Cheval and Les Collines Vineyards. Underbrush, brier, lavender, Asian spices, plum, and blueberry aromas lead to a savory, moderately structured Rhome Ranger with good volume, concentration, and length. This tasty effort will deliver prime drinking from 2012 to 2018. Mark Ryan McNeilly began his winery in 2000 and his new releases nicely display his talent as well as his penchant for fruit from the Red Mountain AVA.Tel. (206) 910-7967; www.markryanwinery.com

This meaty, gamy wine is 84% Mourvedre, and marries its earthy flavors to the ripe black fruit of the Syrah. The two mix well, but could use a bit more bottle time to fully integrate. Blood, meat, cassis, and smoke mingle, and some heat slips in at the end, along with rich coffee grounds and dark chocolate. Big, flavorful, lingering.——P.G.(9/1/2011)—— 93

This Mourvedre/Syrah blend has loads of wild berry and black cherry, spiced up with tarragon and other herbs. The Syrah fills in the middle with juicy berry and peppery spice. The tannins are balanced and firm, barky but not overpowering.——P.G.(11/1/2010)—— 90

The 2006 Mourvedre Crazy Mary was sourced from the Ciel du Cheval Vineyard and aged in 50% new French oak. Purple-colored, it has a complex aromatic array of meat/blood, game, mushroom, and assorted black fruits. Opulent on the palate with gobs of flavor, the wine manages to be balanced and restrained. Give this top-notch effort 4-6 years to evolve and drink it through 2022.Mark Ryan McNeilly began his winery in 2000 and now produces 5000 cases of bold, in-your-face wines.Tel. (206) 010-7967; www.markryanwinery.com