Deep ruby color; blueberry, raspberry, plum, cherry, blackberry, oak, black pepper on the nose and palate.
Dry; soft tannins and complementing acidity. Medium body. Plush, pleasing mouthfeel. GSM/Rhône-style blend of 46% syrah, 27% grenache, 27% mourvèdre. Concentrated dark fruit flavors. Velvety finish. 14% ABV
The website tells the Synchline story of Poppie and James Mantone: “Poppie and James met during the harvest of 1997 while working together in the cellar in the Willamette Valley, Oregon, where James had been winemaking since 1994. Shortly after, they fell madly in love and began plans for a new endeavor: a vineyard of their own.
“Lured by the majestic wildness of the mountains and whitewater rivers, they relocated their home to the Columbia River Gorge. Their passion for Rhône and sparkling wines led them to explore the emerging potential of vineyards in Washington State. Inspired by the early efforts of Rhône and Burgundy-style wines sampled from Washington vineyards, Syncline’s first vintage in 1999 consisted of 76 cases of Celilo Vineyard Pinot Noir from vines planted in 1973. They were part of the small group that founded the Columbia Gorge AVA in 2004.
“They have built a strong reputation as a creative, limited-production, autonomous estate winery with a vision of creating world-class wines while maintaining biodynamic estate vineyards, green building practices, and innovative wine growing. With 19 acres of estate vineyards in the Columbia Gorge and winegrower partners in Red Mt, Yakima, and Horse Heaven Hills, production is kept under 5,000 cases annually to ensure intimacy with each barrel and vine.”
Syncline Wine Cuvée Elena, Columbia Valley 2021 is the winery’s premier offering using classic Rhône blend of syrah, grenache, and mourvèdre. Sophisticated and approachable. Soft tannins and acidity, plush in the mouth. Relatively small production, but worth pursuing. Pair with grilled ribeye steak, slow-roasted brisket. Venison with berry sauce, roasted duck with cherry sauce, grilled chicken, sautéed turkey with mushroom stuffing. Mushroom risotto, eggplant parmesan, grilled portobello mushrooms, roasted root vegetables. Cheese—aged gouda, smoked cheddar, manchego, parmesan, asiago. $65
