2008 Syncline Subduction Red
Available At: Crowfoot Wine and Spirits, Willow Park Wine and Spirits, Highlander Wine and Spirits Marda Loop in Calgary and Crestwood Fine Wine and Spirits in Edmonton
Reviewed By: Adrian Bryksa
Since the weather outside continues to be damp and dreadful in Calgary, we'll put our typical spring selections of Rosé and whites on hold and bring a full bodied red to the table. We decided upon Washington State in the USA in the form of the 2008 Syncline Subduction Red. From a vintage perspective, Washington State has been on a roll since 2000 where vintage assessments have ranged from very good to classic wine quality wise. 2008 was no exception where a cool spring and summer led to late fruit ripening coupled with low yields. Fortunately for the family operated Syncline Cellars, high production has never been a priority as it typically makes less than 3000 cases of wine per year,of which, the Subduction Red makes up for over half at 1740 cases. The Subduction Red is a traditional Rhone blend being made up of 26% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 24% Cinsault, 12% Mourvedre, 9% Counoise and 4% Carignan and comes in at 14.1% alcohol. It lives under a screw top and was tasted without decant served at 16 degrees Celsius.
In the glass, this wine is unexpectedly light plus bodied with a light violet hue. Its bouquet is expressive with notes of raspberry, cherry Kool-Aid, cracked black pepper, turned loam with some unfortunate nose tingling heat. Its nimble attack expanded on the palate with dried cherry seasoned with cinnamon, black pepper, granite powder transitioning to bright, mouthwatering acidity and a lengthy dark finish. While its alcohol is a little out of balance, it does have the wonderful warming sensation in the belly that suits our recent cool, wet days. With extended glass time, the alcohol settled out and we would recommend decanting ahead of service.
Conclusion: Blind, this wine might trick some in believing it is straight out of Rhone. While it has its peccadilloes with its booziness on the nose and palate, this doesn't take away from its overall enjoyment too much. It had us imagining pairing it with juicy slices of roast herbes de provence chicken, fingerling potatoes and steamed, buttered carrots. This is a wine that wine geeks will get excited about so if Rhone is your thing, this one should be a consideration at your next visit.
If you liked this wine, check out our coverage of the 2004 Chatter Creek Syrah Clifton Hill Vineyard
