The Tasting Room is Open!

We are back and ready to meet you in the tasting room in Lyle. We’re open Thursday through Sunday, 11-6. Come see us and taste our exciting new releases, the the fun and easy drinking 2010 Carignan-Grenache and the rich and spicy 2010 Horse Heaven Hills Mourvèdre.

2010 Carignan-Grenache

Wild and untamed, this wine contains substance and personality; certainly not prim and proper, but rarely are the best of times. Avant- garde meets tradition, in pioneering vineyards, two ancient varietals find a new home in the eastern Washington desert. Meaty, spicy aromas and bramble fruit flavors cavort with a refined texture and persistent finish.

2010 Carignan-Grenache Tech Sheet

$25.00 a bottle $270.00 a case
Club Price $20.00 a bottle $240 a case

2010 Horse Heaven Hills Mourvèdre

Juicy pomegranate, cassis and savory flavors with hints of herbs de Provence are complemented by a rich, layered mouthfeel and bright finish.

2010 HHH Mourvèdre Tech Sheet

$30.00 a bottle $324 a case
Club Price $24.00 a bottle $288 a case

Order Online Today!

Celebrating both Valentine’s and President’s Weekends at Syncline.

We’re celebrating twice here at Syncline! Join us February 11th and 12th for a special weekend celebrating one of our favorite holidays, Valentine’s Day. We’ll be offering a dizzying array of gourmet chocolates. Which would your sweetheart prefer? A gift of gorgeous locally made chocolates or maybe something exotic from South America, Africa or Europe? We have both. Make a date of it!

Join us February 18th-20th for a President’s Day Celebration. We’ll have a beautiful selection of gourmet cheeses and chocolates to sample and pair with our delicious new releases. Bring a friend or two and make a day of it, all of the Lyle Wineries will be open.

Constant Contact features Syncline Winery

Back in December we received a call that our winery was to be spotlighted as an “all star”. A few days later a film crew had taken over and Hollywood magic was made. Well, maybe just a really nice look at what we do here. We’re posting it for you on our new YouTube Channel

Make sure to subscribe, we’ll be posting videos to share with you throughout the year.


Cheers!

James, Poppie, Ava and Naomi

A Joyous and Healthy 2012!

We hope you all had a wonderful Holiday season. Ours was filled with quality time with loved ones, great food and of course, delicious wine. We’re back full steam at the winery bottling, racking and getting the tasting room ready to reopen next month. If you enjoyed our new releases in 2011 you are going to love 2012. Get ready for some exciting surprises!

Seattle Times Wine Adviser
lists Syncline in his Top 100
Northwest wines of 2011

Paul Gregutt, Wine Adviser for the Seattle Times, released his Top 100 Northwest Wines of 2011 and we made this prestigious list. Thank you!

#50 – Syncline 2009 McKinley Springs Vineyard Syrah ($30) 93 Points

points As you may have guessed we are sold out of the 2009 McKinley Springs Syrah, but don’t fret, we’ll be releasing our 2010 McKinley Springs Syrah in May of this year.

Got Wine?

The tasting room may be closed but we are here and ready to ship your wines to you. We have a very limited amount of Subduction White, Roussanne and Rosé still available, plus our 2010 Subduction Red in stock.

The weather is mild enough to ship all along the West Coast so take advantage of the weather and stock up before they’re gone! You can order online, give us a call at the winery, 509.365.4361 or send Sara an email and we’ll put your order together.

Seattle Winemaker Dinner

Join James and Poppie on February 1st for an intimate winemakers dinner at the The Walrus and the Carpenter in Seattle.

“The Walrus and the Carpenter blends the elegance of France with the casual comfort of a local fishing pub. “The idea is to serve the highest quality food and drink in a space that is stripped of pretense and feels like home.”


This will surely be a night to remember. Spaces fill up fast so make your reservation soon!


Thank you, our loyal friends and customers, for all of your support throughout the years. We appreciate you. Here’s to an exciting and successful 2012!

James, Poppie, Ava and Naomi

Did you see us in the latest Wine Spectator?

James and Poppie were featured in the December 15th issue of the Wine Spectator. Named a “New Face of Washington Wine”

Striking Out On Their Own
“James and Poppie Mantone met while working at LaVelle Vineyards in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. They married and, enamored with the wide range of wines possible in  Washington, bought a vineyard in the Columbia Gorge AVA. Their most impressive wines so far are Syrahs made from  grapes purchased from the warmer areas of Red Mountain and Horse Heaven Hills. The winery is named for the  towering walls of stratified rock that rise above the Columbia River.”

Syrah Red Mountain Ciel Du Cheval Vineyard 2009 (94 Points, $50)
A brooding maelstrom of dark fruit and rosemary, finishing with sweet espresso notes.

Syrah Horse Heaven Hills McKinley Springs Vineyard 2009 (91 Points, $30)
Velvety, with dark berry and floral flavors bursting through the firm tannins.

Both of these wines were released to our Club Members this year and are no longer in stock at the winery. Thank you for the enthusiastic responses to both of these wines.

If you would like to join our wine club or give a membership as a gift, please email Sara for information. Our club is free to join and gives you access to all of our future releases.

Final Week of Holiday Specials!

This weekend will be the last weekend we are open for the year and the weather is predicted to be gorgeous. Please come and stock up on your holiday wines! Mention that you’re a ‘Friend of Syncline’ when you visit the tasting room and receive $20 off your purchase of six bottles or more. Or you may choose Free UPS ground shipping on six to twelve bottles, anywhere we are allowed to ship in the continental US, November 25th through December 15th. Each six to twelve bottle order must go to a single address in the continental US. In order for us to ensure your wines arrive in time for the Holidays, please place your order by December 15th.

Order Online and have your wines shipped

To purchase, click on our website. If you are a wine club member, log in with your user name and password. If you do not remember your log-in, send me an e-mail and I’ll be happy to send it to you. Choose your wines, include a gift message, and enter the coupon code freeship at checkout.

We’ll wrap your wines, include a card with your gift message and ship your gift, weather permitting of course, in time for the Holidays. If the weather is too cold to ship your wines safely, we will send a card telling of your gift and an approximate ship date. This is our way of saying thank you to all of our friends who have supported us throughout the year.

Two December Winemaker Dinners

Join James and Poppie for two special winemaker dinners this week. Oliver’s at the Camas Hotel will be pairing an exquisite menu with your favorite Syncline wines on December 10th. Call 360.210.4037, only a few seats left!

December 12th TC Steakhouse in Kennewick will be hosting James and  serving fantastic menu perfectly paired with Syncline wines. Make your reservations now 509.619.0700

Wishing you and your loved ones a very happy holiday season and peace, love and joy in the New Year.

James, Poppie, Ava and Naomi

We’re Wrapping up the 2011 Harvest

What a fun ride that was!  We’re wrapping up harvest, pressing grapes and getting everything ready to rest in barrel or concrete.  With harvest and daylight savings both ending we’ll have the tasting room open Thursday-Sunday from 11-5 until Thanksgiving.

November Club Shipment Dates

It’s time for the last and most anticipated club shipment of 2011. Your November selection will be the highly rated 2009 Ciel du Cheval Syrah and our first ever bottling of 2010 Counoise. We produced less than 70 cases of the Ciel du Cheval Syrah so we’ve divided it amongst our club members as following:

2 bottle members will receive one bottle of each wine
4 bottle members will receive one Syrah & three Counoise
6 bottle members will receive two Syrah & four Counoise
12 bottle members will receive three Syrah & nine Counoise

Your card will be charged on Friday November 4th and your wine will be shipped November 7th (weather permitting). If you pick up your wine at the winery your wine will be available after November 4th.

Please email Sara if your credit card information has changed, if you have new shipping information or if you have any questions about your selection.

2009 Ciel du Cheval Syrah

‘Grace and complexity prevail over this intriguing wine. Rich, mouthwatering flavors of blueberry and spice are complemented by remarkable mid-palate and length. Purity of fruit shines through with aromas of fresh picked berries, black olives and classic Syrah nuances of smoke. This wine will age graciously for many years.

2009 Ciel du Cheval Syrah Tech Sheet

2009 Ciel du Cheval Syrah $50
Club Price: 2009 Ciel Syrah $40

2010 McKinley Springs Couniose

One of the 13 permitted varieties of Chateauneuf-du-Pape, this delectable Counoise from McKinley Springs Vineyard was exceptional in the 2010 vintage. Strawberry, tobacco, anise and black pepper flavors dominate the nose and palate. Rich spice and dark berry flavors provide a satisfying experience. Enjoy this wine all on it’s own or paired with grilled chicken, pork or salmon.

2010 Mckinley Springs Couniose Tech Sheet

2010 McKinley Springs Counoise $28
Club Price: 2010 Counoise $22.40   Case Price $268.80

Wine Spectator Insider gives Ciel Syrah 94

Harvey Steiman of The Wine Spectator Insider recently had this to say about our newest release, the 2009 Ciel du Cheval Syrah.

“Dark and dense, delivering a brooding maelstrom of blackberry, dark plum and rosemary flavors. Finishes with sweet espresso notes that don’t quit. The tannins are polished, and the finish just won’t let go. Drink now through 2017.-H.S.”.

Download WS Insider

Thanksgiving Open House

Ditch the crowds and traffic and head out to the Gorge with your family and friends. Time to stock up on the always popular 2010 Subduction Red for the holidays. It’s the perfect wine to pair with some beautiful artisan cheeses that we will be sharing with you. We’ll be open Friday November 25th through Sunday the 27th from 11am until 6pm. After the holiday we will only be open for our two “Friends and Family” weekends Saturday and Sunday December 3th and 4th and December 10th and 11th. The tasting room will close for the season 5pm on December 11th and re-open Thursday, February 2nd at 11am.

Where do you take your Syncline?

We have a winner! Congratulations to Gary Denton on his great shot taken between Chile and Argentina with Mount Aconcagua in the background. You have won a $25 gift certificate! Thank you all for your great pictures and taking the time to vote. Keep the pictures coming, we’ll have another contest in the Spring.

Steep Creek Ranch and Nelson Harvest

We had so much fun harvesting Steep Creek Ranch with you, thanks to everyone who came out on such short notice to pick grapes. We’ll do it again next year! Check out our slide show of the fun.

Thanks to all of you who has made this such a successful and fun harvest, hope to see you at the winery soon!

James, Poppie, Ava and Naomi

2011 Harvest Has Begun!

2011 crush officially started on Sunday October 2nd with Roussanne and Cinsault. We’ll be bringing in more fruit these next few weeks from vineyards east of us as our vineyards here in Lyle continue to ripen. Come see crush in action, it’s the most exciting time of the year.

2010 Subduction Red Released

The question I heard most often in the tasting room the past few months has been “Where is Subduction Red?”. I’m happy to announce it’s here and better than ever.

A tantalizing blend of 31% Mourvedre, 25% Syrah, 21% Grenache, 12% Cinsault, 7% Carignan and 4% Counoise.

‘Long inspired by the wines of the Southern Rhone Valley, this is our answer to a Washington version of a Cotes-du-Rhone Villages wine. A blend of classic southern French varieties that are unique and expressive on their own; yet each contributes to create a harmonious whole. Ripe and hedonistic, with vivid ruby color, this charming wine exhibits black cherry, raspberry, baking spice and black pepper aromas and flavors. The bright, fresh finish provides a wine that is harmonious with many foods and occasions.’

Download:
The 2010 Syncline Subduction Red ‘Tech Notes’

Subduction Red: Bottle $20    Case Price $216
Club Price: Bottle $16    Case Price $192

We produced 1600 cases of our 2010 Subduction Red. You may purchase your wine online or in our tasting room. The tasting room is open Wednesday through Sunday 11-6 through harvest. Please email Sara with any questions.

Upcoming Events

We try not to schedule too many events during harvest, but we are participating in a few events we know you’d enjoy. October 23rd in Seattle we’ll be one of the participating wineries at Seattle’s Lamb Jam. This ultimate taste-off will feature top chefs and their creative preparations of lusty lamb dishes accompanied by award-winning Washington State wines.

October 29th Sara will be pouring at a spooktacular event right here in Lyle. Friends of the Lyle Community Center will be hosting a paranormal tour and lecture of the community center and The Lyle Hotel. Tickets are $25 and will include tastes of your favorite Lyle wines at the opening reception. All proceeds go to restoring the old schoolhouse in Lyle.  This is sure to be a hauntingly fun time! Email for more information and to purchase tickets.

Where do you take your Syncline?

We’ve received some wonderful shots of your favorite wine visiting all over the world. We’re ready to vote on a winner!

All of the submissions are on our Facebook page in a photo album. All you need to do is “like” your favorites. The photo with the most ‘likes’ wins a $25 gift certificate. You are welcome to vote for as many photos as you’d like. Good luck!

Thanks to all of you who has made this such a successful and fun summer, hope to see you at the winery soon!

James, Poppie, Ava and Naomi

Please join us in the tasting room from 11-6 Wednesday through Sunday throughout the month of October until November 20th.

Come visit us during the most exciting time of the year, crush. our outdoor tasting room is ready for your visit.

See you soon!

Sara

Labor Day Weekend is here.

Time for our annual Labor Day open house and the release of our flagship wine, the 2009 Cuvée Elena.

The weather is predicted to be gorgeous in the gorge, blue skies and perfect temperatures. Sensational!

2009 Cuvée Elena

September 1st is the release date for our 2009 Cuvée Elena. This vintage is a spectacular blend of 50% Grenache, 41% Mourvedre, 8% Syrah and 1% Carignan.

‘Our Southern Rhone inspired blend was selected from our most balanced and elegant barrels from the 2009 vintage. Cuvée Elena delivers blackberry, fig and delicate perfume, complemented by hints of violets, spice and garrigue with graceful length. This wine is mouth filling and intensely satisfying with with a fine, silky finish.’

Download:
The 2009 Syncline Cuvée Elena ‘Tech Notes’

Cuvée Elena $40        Case Price $432
Club Price: Cuvée Elena $32        Case Price $384

The 2009 Cuvée Elena is a wine club exclusive wine and our wine club selection for September. If you normally pick up your wine at the winery your card will automatically be charged on September 1st. You may pick up your allocation during our tasting room hours, Thursday- Sunday 11-6.

If you have your wine shipped to you automatically your card will be charged September 10th and your wine will be shipped on Monday September 12th (weather permitting).

Please email Sara If your credit card information has changed, if you have a new shipping address, if you will not be available to receive your wine or if you have any questions about this wine club allocation. You will be responsible for any reshipping charges.
If you have been thinking of joining our wine club now is the time to do it. We keep our production small and as our club grows, wines that used to be available to the public through our tasting room, like our 2009 Cuvee Elena, will only be available for club members. If you don’t miss out on these exquisite wines you must be a member of our wine club. Please email our club manager Sara for more information, spots are filling up fast.

Labor Day Open House September 2nd-5th

Syncline will be opening our doors for a special open house September 2nd-5th where we will be celebrating the release of our flagship wine, the 2009 Cuvée Elena. Please join us for some delicious artisan cheeses to pair with our wines.

Eric John Kaiser, “The French Trubador” will be joining us on Saturday September 3rd from 2-5pm singing some of our French favorites.
We will also have food available for purchase both Saturday and Sunday from Four & Twenty Blackbirds, They will be parked in our lot and offering some of their sweet and savory empanadas. Of course you are always welcome to bring a picnic, we’ll have extra tables and chairs set up, or bring a blanket and spread out on the grass next to the vineyard. Hope to see you at the winery!

Club Late Night September 17th

We had such a wonderful time at our first wine club only late night, we’re doing it again! Come join us the evening of September 17th. We will be keeping the tasting room open until 8:00pm where we’ll have food for purchase, rare library wines to taste and music to entertain you.

Club members are welcome to bring a few guests and Ava wants you to know children are always welcome. No need to RSVP. Come watch the sunset over Steep Creek Ranch.

Where do you take your Syncline?

Wine Club member Jacki Evans had a tough time deciding which of her favorite wines she should bring with her to Australia. Tough choice but the 2008 Coyote Canyon eventually won out.

Where have you taken your Syncline? Send us a picture by September 30th of your Syncline travels and we will let the public decide which one is their favorite. The winner will receive a $25 gift certificate to use at the winery. Email your entries to Sara, good luck!

Thanks to all of you who has made this such a successful and fun summer, hope to see you at the winery soon!

James, Poppie, Ava and Naomi

The not so lazy days of Summer…

Hot days. cool nights, what more could we ask for? Well, how about some great press, a fun late night club event, and a few winemaker dinners at some outstanding restaurants? Beat the harvest crowds, August is the perfect time to visit the Lyle wineries.

Wine Enthusiast Magazine

Paul Gregutt of the Wine Enthusiast had some very nice things to say about your favorite winery in July’s issue. In an article he wrote about Washington redefining cult wines, he named Syncline wine a ‘rising star’ and gave a score of 92 for our 2009 Heart of the Hill Mourvedre. he goes on to describe the Heart of the Hill as “A stunning wine, this could be the poster child for the future of Washington Mourvèdre”. We released our Heart of the Hill as a wine club selection in May; it is currently sold out at the winery. Read Paul Gregutt’s thoughts on Washington Mourvedre here. If you have been thinking of joining our wine club now is the time to do it. We have some exclusive wines that are only available through the club, including the much anticipated Ciel du Cheval Syrah. Only 70 cases are available and you will not be able to find this wine anywhere else! Please email our club manager Sara for more information, spots are filling up fast.

Club Late Night – August 27th

Come join us at the winery for our first Club Late night on August 27th. We will keep the tasting room open until 8:00pm, giving you a chance to enjoy the vineyard after hours and meet other club members.

A popular local food cart, Four & Twenty Blackbirds, will be here offering some of their savory empanadas and we’ll be serving up some special wine by the glass offerings for you. In addition we’ll also be giving club members a sneak peek of your next club shipment, the 2009 Cuvée Elena. Please try and join us for what is sure to be a fun evening in Lyle.

Upcoming Seattle and Portland Events

We’ve got a few events in Seattle and Portland you might be interested in. August 13th we will be pouring at West Seattle Wine Cellars from 3-5, then joining our neighbor Cor Cellars for a winemaker dinner at Volunteer Park Kitchen. August 19th join us at Foster and Dobbs in Portland where we’ll be pouring from 4:30-6:30. Then it’s back up to Seattle for a special winemakers dinner at Copperleaf Restaurant on the 26th of August. Please come and join us at any of these events if you can.

Labor Day and Cuvée Elena release

Can you believe Labor Day is only a few weeks away? Syncline will be opening our doors for a special open house September 2nd-5th where we will be celebrating the release of our flagship wine, the 2009 Cuvée Elena. Please join us for some delicious artisan cheeses to pair with our wines. Eric John Kaiser, “The French Trubador” will  be joining us on Saturday September 3rd from 2-5pm singing some of our French favorites. Our open houses are an outstanding time to bring your friends out and introduce them to your favorite winery.

Pictures from our club party

We has such a wonderful time at our annual club party. The band was swinging, the wine was flowing and the food was superb.
Thank you all for joining us and we will do it all again next year!

Where do you take your Syncline?

Wine Club member Daniel Lea had to politely decline our Wine Club party this year due to the fact he was lounging around Flathead Lake Montana with a bottle of Cuvée Elena. He was kind enough to include a picture. Where have you taken your Syncline? Kayaking? Camping? Luxury penthouse suite? Send us a picture by September 30th of your Syncline travels and we will let the public decide which one is their favorite. The winner will receive a $25 gift certificate to use at the winery. Email your entries to Sara, good luck!
Thanks to all of you who has made this such a successful and fun summer, hope to see you at the winery soon!

James, Poppie, Ava and Naomi

We’ll be celebrating July 22nd and 23rd with our annual wine club party, will you be able to join us? There are a few spaces left both evenings and we’d love to see you.

This year we will be serving up a traditional Cuban pig roast with some fun side dishes. If you would prefer a vegetarian entree’ we will be offering a harvest ratatouille over pasta. A Hood River Cherry cobbler with vanilla ice cream will finish off the meal.

We will be pouring our library wines throughout the evening and will have our Sparkling Rose’ Scintillation available for purchase (one bottle per person please).

Please send Sara an email as soon as possible if you would like to attend. This party is limited to a wine club member and guest, no additional guests please. The cost is $25.00 per person, paid in advance or cash at the door. Please indicate if you would prefer the vegetarian option. We’re looking forward to a fabulous evening of great food, music and wine and especially catching up with wonderful friends.

Local Lodging Listings (PDF 315k)

Cheers!
Sara