
Syncline is located in Lyle, Washington, just off the Lewis and Clark Highyway and within view of the winding Columbia River. The winery is situated on a sprawling farm where dogs and turkeys roam the grounds. Syncline is named after a geological formation near the winery known locally as the Coyote Wall Syncline, a series of cliffs rising up from the Columbia River.


Winemaker James Mantone brings to the winery a background in microbiology and organic chemistry. Mantone shows a restrained touch, going easy on the oak and letting the grapes speak largely for themselves. The results are elegant, food friendly wines with focused fruit aromas and flavors. Syncline uses fruit from excellent vineyard sources including Coyote Canyon, Milbrandt, Celilo, and Destiny Ridge vineyards. Syncline also has a small estate vineyard, Steep Creek Ranch, located next to the winery. The vineyard, which is on the eastern edge of the Columbia Gorge AVA and is farmed biodynamically, had its first estate bottling released earlier this year.
In addition to his work at Syncline, James Mantone is also one of the winemakers working on the Grand Rêve project. Look for his Collaboration VI in future Grand Rêve releases.
Syncline Wine Cellars produces approximately 3,000 cases of wine annually.
Wines:
Syncline Wine Cellars Cuvee Elena Columbia Valley 2007 $35 Rating: *
Fairly closed on the nose when first opened with wild blueberries and currant. As it opens up, still restrained but the blueberry becomes more expressive. Beautifully polished on the palate with abundant smooth fruit, herbal streaks, and barely a trace of oak. An elegant wine that needs time to open up. 70% Grenache, 17% Mourvedre, 9% Carignan, 2% Cinsault, 2% Syrah. Northridge, Coyote Canyon, and McKinley Springs vineyards. 14.3% alcohol. 275 cases produced.
Syncline Wine Cellars Roussanne Horse Heaven Hills 2008 $22 Rating: *
Pale golden colored. A faint, elusive nose when first opened with light tropical fruit. Over time, the nose develops with spice, mineral, and creek aromas. Richly textured on the palate with an exceptional mouthfeel and a beautiful finish. 100% Roussanne (Alder Ridge and McKinley Springs vineyards). 14.2% alcohol. 300 cases produced.
Syncline Wine Cellars Subduction Red Columbia Valley 2008 $18 Rating: +
Fairly light in color. An aromatic nose that is initially Grenache-driven with red fruit, particularly raspberries, strawberries, and red currant, along with a dusting of earth. As it opens up, violets, berries, and traces of game emerge. A light bodied, acid-driven wine that dances along the palate. A slightly saline taste. Almost shockingly restrained with barely a trace of oak. Loses a bit of its rhythm about 2/3 of the way through but comes back together. Lingers a bit tartly on the finish. A lot of wine for the money and a perfect wine to pair with food. 26% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 24% Cinsault, 12% Mourvedre, 9% Counoise, 4% Carignan. Aged in 5-10% new oak. 14.1% alcohol. 1,770 cases produced. Recommended.
Syncline Wine Cellars Subduction White Columbia Valley 2008 $18 Rating: +
Pale straw colored. An engaging nose with spice, apple, and floral notes. Tart, crisp, and acidic on the palate. Sometimes the blend seems to come off and sometimes it doesn’t. Pair this wine with the right food to cut down on the acid, and it will shine. 42% Chardonnay (Celilo Vineyard), 30% Roussanne (Alder Ridge), 28% Viognier (Coyote Canyon). 13.7% alcohol. 385 cases produced.
Where To Buy On-line: Winery, AvalonWine.com, MadWine
Where To Buy Seattle Area: City Cellars, Pete’s, Fremont Wine Warehouse, Esquin, West Seattle Cellars
Where to Buy Near You: Leave a comment if you see these wines in your area.
Samples provided by winery.
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