A mix of Columbia Valley vineyards contributed to this Bordeaux blend, which opens aromatically with dusty red fruits, a silky mouthfeel, soft tannins and a moderate level of alcohol (14%). Immediately likeable, with mulberry/blackberry fruit, pretty chocolate and a whiff of smoke, but this could be cellared for another six or eight years.——P.G.(11/1/2010)—— 90

The second offering from NxNW adds Yakima Valley fruit to the Pepper Bridge and Seven Hills base. It has more of a full-bodied middle, with plum and berry fruit matched to chalky acids. A spicy licorice flavor permeates the finish. Initially intriguing, it leaves an impression of being a bit unbalanced; the whole is less than the sum of its parts.——P.G.(8/1/2009)—— 86