Full Pull

• By Paul Zitarelli
  Full Pull Syncline, 5/18/2018

  (Syncline Subduction Red) Hello friends. We’ve long held a torch for James and Poppie Mantone’s Syncline. They’ve earned their spot in the upper echelon of Washington wineries vintage after vintage with consistent expressions of freshness, purity, and transparency. If others overlook them in discussions of the best of Washington, it may only be because of their out-of-the-way location in the Columbia Gorge. Syncline has become so popular with our list members you can now set your clocks by the release of their wines. On May 15th, 2017, we offered the 2016 Syncline Rosé. Now, almost exactly one year later, we have the new release—plus a bonus white and equally popular red. One of the best trends to come out of the past decade of Washington wine is the emergence of more and more Rhone blends—but price point has been a serious challenge. We have our Chateauneufs and our Gigondas, but where are our Cotes du Rhone Villages? Syncline was the first winery to help solve this problem—a trend that is thankfully catching on—with the Subduction Red. We’ve been offering it since the 2009 vintage, but at that point, it had already been around for about five years. In 2016 it is a five-variety blend: Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre, Cinsault, and Carignan, sourced from Horse Heaven Hills, Red Mountain, Columbia Gorge and Yakima Valley. The listed alcohol is 14%. A true ode to the Rhone, the nose is fresh, spiced, and high-toned, with plenty of juicy red fruit and smoky subtleties. The palate is wild—almost feral—with meaty Syrah undertones, Mourvedre spice, and plenty of delicious, soft fruit. This wine has gained a reputation for punching well above its price, and this vintage is another standout example. Wine Enthusiast: Copyrighted material withheld.