The 2009 Viognier Coyote Canyon Vineyard was 50% fermented with native yeasts with no malolactic fermentation. It delivers an alluring bouquet of mineral, pit fruits, and baking spices leading to a lengthy, smooth-textured, concentrated wine with serious flavor interest. Drink this first-class Viognier over the next 1-2 years. James and Poppie Mantone’s Syncline Wine Cellars is on the eastern edge of the beautiful Columbia Gorge, an area better known for outdoor sports (fishing, boating, wind surfing) than wine production. The winery’s new collection is once again outstanding from beginning to end.Tel. (509) 365-4361; www.synclinewine.com

Syncline’s 2008 Viognier Coyote Canyon Vineyard offers a lovely nose of baking spices, floral notes, peach, and apricot. Very concentrated, savory, and ripe, this classy Viognier will provide pleasure for another 2-3 years. James and Poppie Mantone’s Syncline Wine Cellars is on the eastern edge of the beautiful Columbia Gorge, an area better known for outdoor sports (fishing, boating, wind surfing) than wine production.Tel. (509) 365-4361; www.synclinewine.com