Syncline Cellars
Syncline Wine Cellars is located along the Columbia River in southern Washington State. Our location, in the eastern Columbia River Gorge gives us a unique place for growing wine grapes. Our estate vineyard, Steep Creek Ranch, is located on a southern slope on the very eastern edge of the new Columbia Gorge AVA. Directly west of the vineyard and winery is a series of 300-foot cliffs rising up into the surrounding mountains straight out of the Columbia River. Locally known as the “Coyote Wall Syncline” and to geologists as the “Bingen Syncline,” this dramatic feature gives the winery its name. It is at this point that the rainy western Columbia Gorge transitions to the semi-arid eastern Gorge. We have kept production under 3,000 cases annually to ensure that we stay intimate with each barrel and every vine.
Syncline Rosé 2009 - This bright dry wine, a saignée of 37% Cinsault, 35% Counoise, 12% Grenache, 11% Mourvedre, 5% Carignan is loaded with strawberry and watermelon flavours. Delightfully fruity, yet complex and flavourful; this is the perfect accompaniment to summer meals. Appellation: Columbia Valley. Production: About 700 cases.
Syncline Roussanne 2009 – Clear pale straw colour. This wine shows classic Roussanne aromatics of almonds, pear and exotic teas. Flavours lead with pears and peach stone, followed by chamomile flowers, almonds and mangos finishing with a rich mouth feel and a fine persistent finish. This is an extremely beguiling wine that unfolds over time. Truly a classic representation of this red wine drinkers white wine. Drink now or over the next ten years. Appellation: Horse Heaven Hills. Production: About 325 cases.
Syncline Subduction White 2009 – The floral elegance of Viognier coupled with the weight and richness of Roussanne and the brilliant acidity of Grüner Veltliner, brings aromas of quince, clove and jasmine flowers, complemented by flavours of pear, melon and vanilla with subtle hints of minerality and herbs. Finishing with bright, clean balanced acidity, this is an excellent everyday white that will happily accompany many foods and occasions. Varietals: 50% Roussanne, 39% Viognier, 11% Grüner Veltliner. Appellation: Columbia Valley. Production: About 215 cases.
Syncline Subduction Red 2008 – Bold and seductive, this wine exhibits ripe raspberry, violet and game aromas, with juicy plum flavours. The bright, supple finish and pleasing fruit-filled mouthfeel make Subduction Red adaptable to many foods and occasions. Varietals: 26% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 24% Cinsault, 12% Mourvedre, 9% Counoise, 4% Carignan. Production: About 1770 cases.
Syncline Syrah 2006 – Blended to showcase classic Washington “Cool Climate” Syrah, this wine draws from two Horse Heaven Hills vineyards and one Wahluke Slope vineyard. Brilliant ruby colour with purple/red interior. Complex aromatics of violets, blueberries, olive stones, and bay leaf. In the mouth this wine leads off with dark bramble fruits, blueberries, bay leaf and meaty aromas, followed by olive stones, spice, and violets. An intriguing combination of finesse and power that is sure to improve over time. Varietals: 96% Syrah, 4% Grenache. Appellation: Columbia Valley. Production: About 500 cases.
Syncline McKinley Springs Syrah 2006 – Nicknamed the “Espresso Block,” McKinley Springs gives us some of the most intense Syrah we produce. Deep purple/black with an almost black colour. Aromatic nose of raspberry, pepper, bitter chocolate and espresso. Super concentrated flavours balanced with great natural acidity. A hint of orange zest and berry aromatics give evidence to the Viognier while the finish lingers with sweet fruit characteristics. Generous and sexy. Appellation: Horse Heaven Hills. Varietals: 98% Syrah, 2% Viognier. Production: About 350 cases.
Syncline Cuvee Elena 2006 – Our Southern Rhone inspired blend, Cuveé Elena, was selected from our best lots of grapes. Showing great intensity and balance, the Cuveé Elena delivers bramble fruits, plums, sauvage and tarry aspects with tremendous length. Classic notes of spice, blackberries and animal from the Mourvedre blend with the bright raspberry of Grenache, all tied together with the richness and garrigue aromas of Syrah. Mouth filling and intensely satisfying. Appellation: Columbia Valley. Varietals: 65% Grenache, 16% Syrah, 13% Mourvedre, 6% Cinsault. Production: About 250 cases.
