2021 Board Track Racer "The Shift" GSM Columbia Valley

Board Track Racer is the accessible, everyday sister brand of Mark Ryan Winery, founded by Mark McNeilly in Woodinville, Washington in 1999. McNeilly, a largely self-taught winemaker who began producing wine in friends' garages, built Mark Ryan into one of Washington's most acclaimed producers, eventually earning a spot on Wine Spectator's Top 100 list. He launched Board Track Racer in 2008, naming it after the wooden track motorcycle races of the early twentieth century, a nod to his own passion for vintage motorcycles that carries through in the brand's retro racing themed labels.

The Shift is a Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre blend sourced from vineyards across the Columbia Valley AVA, Washington's largest and most versatile growing region. The valley's warm, sunny days and cool nights, shaped by the rain shadow of the Cascade Mountains, allow these Rhône varieties to ripen fully while retaining freshness. True to the Board Track Racer philosophy, the wine is made to be approachable and ready to drink upon release, without sacrificing the winemaking care that defines the broader Mark Ryan portfolio.

Medium bodied, this GSM opens with aromas of black fruit and dark cherry, followed by flavors of red fruit, sweet herbs, and white pepper. The mouthfeel is round and creamy, finishing smooth yet structured. It pairs well with grilled sausages, barbecue, or a simple roasted chicken.