Located in the Columbia Gorge AVA, which straddles Oregon and is at the westernmost edge of Washington State's Columbia Valley AVA, Syncline is a limited-edition, small-batch winery with a strong vision of producing world-class wines through innovative winemaking, while respecting the environment in every aspect of its biodynamic vineyards.
Winemaker James Manton was inspired by the Chardonnays of the Jura region of France, and this wine has a rich, lingering mouthfeel, firm acidity and a clean, bright finish.
Aromas of lime flan, quince and flint create an intriguing aroma.
The Rainmaker Vineyard is located in a spectacular natural amphitheatre, 1500 feet above sea level in the mountains overlooking White Salmon, Washington.
Part of the historic Mont Eris Vineyard, which dates back to the 1960s and was replanted in 2013, this exceptional vineyard located in the Western Gorges AVA is an exciting vineyard that transitioned to organic in 2019 and is planted with a diverse range of grapes.
The south-facing volcanic soil slopes capture the summer sunshine, while the cool mountain nights maintain vibrant acidity.
Here we grow vibrant Chardonnay and produce wines that are unique to the Gouges.
All fruit was hand picked, whole bunch pressed and allowed to settle overnight before being transferred to barrels.
Natural fermentation and aging took place in old French oak puncheons (approximately 450L).
The wine rests on the lees until bottling.
Bottled in August 2023, aged in bottle for one year, released in September 2024.
Syncline is a geological term that refers to a section of rock where horizontally deposited strata are bent by lateral pressure to form a winding valley of rock. The name comes from the Coyote Wall syncline, which can be seen from the winery.
Owners and winemakers James and Poppy Manton's winery and vineyards are located in the Columbia Gorge AVA, straddling Washington and Oregon.
They were also the founding members of AVA in 2004.
The Columbia Gorge is divided into a cool, rain-rich western region and a semi-arid desert eastern region, and they use grapes from this special region as well as grapes from long-established, top-notch growers in Washington State.
Syncline was founded in 1999 by a couple who were making Pinot Noir in Oregon, with just 76 cases, and their winemaking has remained unchanged ever since, with each wine being delicate and elegant.
The winery uses biodynamic farming methods in its own vineyards and has a strong vision of "continuing to produce innovative wines that are environmentally friendly and can be used on a global scale," earning it a high reputation as a limited production winery.