The Tasting room will be closed April 8th for Easter Sunday.

The tasting room will be closed this Sunday, April 8th so we can all celebrate Easter with our families. We will then return to our regular tasting room  hours of Thursday-Sunday from 11-6.

An Holiday Recipe:
Garlic-and-Herb-Crusted Leg of Lamb

I found this recipe in Food and Wine magazine and thought it would be the perfect thing to pair with our 2010 Carignan-Grenache. If you’re a wine club member, this wine was part of your February wine club shipment.

We only have a few cases left, so please send me an email or order online if you’d like some. Once it’s gone, it’s gone.

Garlic-and-Herb-Crusted Leg of Lamb

Ingredients

•  1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
•  2 heads garlic, cloves separated but not peeled
•  3 garlic cloves, minced
•  1 tablespoon minced rosemary, plus 3 sprigs
•  1 tablespoon minced thyme
•  One 6-pound bone-in leg of lamb, aitch bone removed
•  Salt
•  Freshly ground pepper
•  1 large sweet onion, cut into 1/2-inch-thick wedges
•  2 large carrots, cut on the diagonal 1/2 inch thick
•  2 large celery ribs, cut on the diagonal 1/2 inch thick

1. Preheat the oven to 400°. In a small bowl, combine the 1/4 cup of olive oil with the minced garlic, rosemary and thyme.

2. Score the fatty top side of the lamb about 1/4 inch deep. Season the lamb all over with salt and pepper. On a large rimmed baking sheet, toss the whole garlic cloves, onion, carrots and celery with a generous drizzle of olive oil. Arrange the vegetables in an even layer and season with salt and pepper. Scatter the rosemary sprigs over the vegetables and set the leg of lamb on top, fatty side up. Spread half of the garlic-and-herb rub all over the lamb, making sure to rub it into the score marks. Roast the leg of lamb for 20 minutes.

3. Spread the remaining rub over the lamb and add 1/4 cup of water to the baking sheet. Roast the lamb for about 1 hour and 20 minutes longer, rotating the baking sheet a few times, until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the meat registers 145° for medium. Add a few more tablespoons of water to the baking sheet at any point if the vegetables start to get quite dark.

4. Transfer the lamb to a carving board and let it rest for 20 minutes. Discard the rosemary sprigs. Carve the leg of lamb into 1/2-inch-thick slices and serve with the roasted vegetable
Have a Happy Holiday,

Sara Sanderson
Direct Sales Manager

Happy Spring!

Sunshine, warmer temperatures, wildflowers… Rose’ season is back! This week marks the release of our early Spring wines; our delightful 2011 Rose’ and the elegant 2010 Pinot Noir.

2011 Rosé

630 cases

Our creation of this wine is in direct response to our love of crisp, dry Rosé. The color is a striking pale rose with aromas of pink grapefruit, stone fruit and melon. Each grape lends unique attributes to the overall complexity. Finishing completely dry, this is as serious as Rosé gets.

2011 Rosé Tech Sheet

2011 Rosé $18 a bottle/194.40 a case
Wine Club Members $14.40 a bottle/$172.80 a case

Rose Release Party

Join James and Poppie this Friday for a Rose release party at Seatown Seabar in Seattle. Tickets are $12 and can be purchased here. Come hangout with James and Poppie and drink some pink!

Seatown, is where you can sit and satisfy all the cravings you develop walking through the Pike Place Market. One half of the menu is devoted to our fabulous local seafood and the other half is anchored by fragrant herbcrusted meats from our glistening rotisserie.

2010 Pinot Noir

175 cases

With a foundation based on the old vines from Celilo and incorporating a newer planting at an adjacent vineyard on Underwood Mountain, this 100% Pinot Noir shows bright ruby red color and remarkable strawberry and cranberry perfumed aromas and flavors. Subtle hints of baking spices and vibrant acidity complete this expressive wine.
The overall impression of juicy, red fruit is complemented by bright acidity. The wine is beautiful, with enough acid and silky tannins to really shine with 3-5 years bottle age. Here is a wine that proves great Pinot Noir can be grown in Washington.

2010 Syncline Pinot Noir Tech Notes

2010 Pinot Noir $30.00 a bottle/$324 a case
Wine Club Members $24.00 a bottle/$288 a case

Both of these lovely wines are available online or in our tasting room starting this week.

A Little Cheese with your Wine?

We are now offering a Charcuterie and cheese plate for purchase in the tasting room. Each plate comes with cured meat from Olympic Provisions, Beecher’s Flagship Cheddar and Beecher’s Original Crackers.

Each plate serves up to four people. Leftovers can be easily packed up and transported home or to be shared at another winery later in the day. No need to reserve in advance, we’ll have it here ready for your next visit.

Taste Washington Seattle

The biggest weekend of the year for Washington wines is happening this March 31st and April 1st in Seattle. Taste Washington brings together over 200 ground breaking Washington wineries and Seattle’s best restaurants together for your tasting enjoyment. This is a can not miss event for Washington wine aficionados and one of our favorite events of the year. Be sure to stop by and say hello!

Wineries of the Gorge Passport Weekend

Come join Syncline and other Gorge wineries on both sides of the river for our annual passport weekend. The events start off on Monday April 9th with a Grand Tasting at The Melody Ballroom in Portland from 4-7. Tickets are $25 each and include a commemorative wine glass, wine tasting, hors d’oeuvres and a Passport for Passport Weekend. You may purchase tickets online or by calling the Columbia Gorge Wine Association at 866-413-WINE (9463).

Take the drive out to the Gorge for Passport Weekend April 14th and 15th. We will be open each day from 11-6 and will be offering a 15% discount on case purchases and will be hosting the Solstice Cafe mobile pizza kitchen from noon to four each day. We will also have some delicious gourmet chocolate samples for you to enjoy. You can purchase tickets and passports online or when you visit our tasting room.

Hope to see you soon–

James, Poppie, Ava and Naomi

Cochon 555- Five chefs, five pigs,
five winemakers

This Sunday March 11th Syncline Winery will be one of five featured wineries at this truly extraordinary culinary event.

“Cochon 555 – five chefs, five pigs, five winemakers – is a one-of-a-kind traveling culinary competition and tasting event to promote sustainable farming of heritage breed pigs. The Portland event challenges five local chefs to prepare a menu created from heritage breed pigs, nose-to-tail, for an audience of pork-loving epicureans.

2012 Portland competing chefs include Jason Barwikowski of Woodsman Tavern, Vitaly Paley of Paley’s Place, Naomi Pomeroy of BEAST Restaurant, Adam Sappington of The Country Cat, and Rita Jia You of Lucky Strike.

Guests will be treated to a pork feast of five whole heritage pigs prepared by five chefs and wines from five family wineries, including Elk Cove Vineyards, Syncline Wines, Sokol Blosser, Scholium Project, and special tasting engagement with Domaine Serene and Iberico de Bellota.

At the end of the night, attendees and local judges will select the Prince or Princess of Porc. The winning chef will go on to compete against other regional winners at the finale Grand Cochon event at the FOOD & WINE Classic in Aspen, June 17, 2012.”

Come celebrate these top chefs, sustainable farmers and winegrowers, and heritage breeds!  Tickets can be purchased at Cochon555

Gorge Winegrowers Celebration for Hospice

Each year the members of the Columbia Gorge Winegrowers Association get together for a special fundraising event,  The Celebration for HospiceThis year’s event will take place on Saturday March 24th from 5:30-10:30. Tickets are $75 and include a commemorative wine glass, wine tastings, a seated dinner, live music and dancing, plus a free Passport for Passport Weekend held the second weekend of April. This is a fun way to meet all the local winemakers and help fund a much needed and appreciated service, Hospice of the Gorge.

Taste Washington Seattle

The biggest weekend of the year for Washington wines is happening this March 31st and April 1st in Seattle. Taste Washington brings together over 200 ground breaking Washington wineries and Seattle’s best restaurants together for your tasting enjoyment. This is a can not miss event for Washington wine aficionados, and one of our favorite events of the year. Be sure to stop by and say hello!
Special Note for Club Members
If you have yet to pick up your club wines please make arrangements to do so by the 1st of April or they will be shipped to you and you will be charged for shipping. We have many new releases this Spring and unfortunately do not have the space to store your wines for you. Please email Sara to make arrangements to have your wines shipped or to pick them up!

Hope to see you soon–

James, Poppie, Ava and Naomi

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