Syncline, Gamay Noir, Columbia Gorge, Washington, USA, 2021

Nine-year-old vines are planted in extremely poor soils. This site gets lots of wind exposure, resulting in an underlying savoury character and lean red fruits. An all-concrete fermentation means there is an austerity to this wine stylistically. The acids are lower, but the wine is defined by its savoury nature. This wine has full carbonic maceration with the whole cluster, gentle pump-overs, and lots of structure and spic. Bright violets and purple fruit aromatics make way for a palate of bright fruits, savoury dried herbs, lavender, and a pop of crisp minerality.