The basics:
- 2008 Syncline Rose, Columbia Valley
- 44% Cinsault, 17% Mourvedre, 30% Grenache & 9% Counoise
- 13.8% alcohol & 610 cases produced
Each summer I seek out the perfect warm weather wine. With an unseasonably warm day in Seattle, I was inspired to begin my quest early this year. Perusing my grocer’s wine cooler, my eye was drawn to Syncline’s elegantly embossed label. Then I noticed the Columbia Valley designation and I was sold, especially for the under $15 price tag. I was also intrigued by the Rhone varieties used in this blend, since I, on occasion, grab up and gulp down GSMs (Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre)!
The nose, to summarize, was lovely. Initially I couldn’t pinpoint what I was smelling, but then it came to me: fresh sliced peaches. Once I swirled and waited (agony), floral accents blossomed.
Would these tantalizing promises in the bouquet deliver on the palate? Bawbang! They delivered and then some. This rose, with its meticulous structure, provided bursts of strawberry and hints of cantaloupe with a tinge of mango thrown in. A tight-rope walker this wine is indeed; it is well balanced with a wonderful finish.
This rose is the antithesis to the stereotype of the slog formerly known as blush. It is dry with a refined mouth-feel and (thankfully) lacks the sharpness I’ve encountered in some pink wines.
What to pair with this wine? I treated myself to a fancy loaf of seeded bakery bread and Jarlsberg cheese to start. Then I progressed onto my baked salmon and salad main course. All of these dishes were fabulous with the Syncline Rose. (Or was it the Syncline that made these dishes so fine?) With the cuvee of Rhone varietals, this rose can stand up to a variety of culinary delights or is perfect on its own.
I highly recommend this wine. In fact I challenge anyone who says they’re not a fan of rose to give this wine a swirl and sip. I’ve never tasted a rose so well-made and so full of interesting, yet integrated, flavors.
Visit the winery’s website, www.synclinewine.com, to read about James and Poppy Mantone, the owners/winemakers, their wines and vineyards in which they practice biodynamic viticulture.
