NxNW 2009 Walla Walla Valley Syrah - Review

NxNW was founded by Ed King III and the King family of Oregon's King Estate winery to showcase the wines of the emerging winegrowing region Columbia River Basin. Contracting with grape growers from noted vineyards, the winery focuses on terroir. A part of this focus is to educate the consumer by listing the vineyards on each bottle's label. Currently NxNW produces two Cabs and Syrahs, a Merlot, Riesling, Chardonnay, dessert-style Riesling and a red blend. The 2009 Walla Walla Syrah is a big, rich, inky purple wine. The nose is a feminine blend of raspberry, rose petal and vanilla. On the palate it starts out sweet with raspberry and cherry but strong, earthy notes sneak in toward the back, including dark chocolate, tar and toast. It's ready to drink now but worth aging a few years to better integrate that sweet, bright fruit with the more interesting dark, mellow notes. Serve it with big, gamey meats like a roast leg of lamb. Or try it with grilled bison burgers or a boar sausage pizza. Vegetarians should try it with a winter vegetable stew or meat-free chili.