What: Syncline Winery Syrah McKinley Springs Vineyard Horse Heaven Hills 2013 $30 

Where: Esquin Wine and Spirits, 6th Ave Wine Seller, Ballard Market, Wine World and Spirits 

Why: The Horse Heaven Hills is a grape growing region on the rise. Columbia Crest has long had its (sizable) flag planted in this area, which provides fruit for the winery’s H3 wines among others. Beyond this, however, there are relatively few wineries located there, as the region is remote even by eastern Washington standards. Remarkably though, the Horse Heaven Hills is home to a quarter of all wine grape acreage in the state. Much of the fruit goes to larger producers, but a number of smaller wineries are also working with Horse Heaven Hills fruit, some with impressive results. 

One of them is Syncline Winery, which sources syrah from McKinley Springs. Winemaker James Mantone calls McKinley Springs his ‘espresso block’ due to the vineyard’s frequent coffee and chocolate aromas and flavors. The 2013 Syncline Winery McKinley Springs Vineyard Syrah Horse Heaven Hills ($30) brings all that and more and is an exquisite example of what this region has offer. It provides intensely pure aromas and flavors of red and black fruit along with a finish that just won’t quit. Drink up!