The following are some recent reviews from Fresh Press by Wine Press Northwest:

Fresh Press is an online publication of Wine Press Northwest. Each week, we review recently released Pacific Northwest wines. 

Excellent. Koenig Vineyards 2008 Cabernet

Sauvignon, Snake River Valley, $20. Those who

enjoy the fruit-filled and food-friendly approach to the

Bitner Vineyards 2008 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

should also be happy with this because Greg Koenig

made both. Aromas include red currant, strawberry,

cherry pipe tobacco, green peppercorns, cardamom,

cedar and herbal notes. The drink features fresh

cranberry juice, pomegranate and Rainier cherry,

backed by milk chocolate, cola and a bit of chalkiness

Excellent. Koenig Vineyards 2009 Estate Merlot,

Snake River Valley, $20. The Koenig brothers divide

the duties at their estate along the Sunnyslope of

Caldwell, with Greg operating the winery and Brad the

distillery. This marks the 11th vintage of Merlot off their

vines, and it shows more balance and a better foodpairing profile than many Merlots made in the

Northwest. Aromas of black currant and boysenberry

are joined by nutmeg, pleasing leafiness, green bell

pepper and green olive. Sweet blueberry and currant

flavors pick up Western serviceberry and cordial

cherry notes along the way, finishing with chocolaty

tannins and minerality.  

Outstanding! Koenig Vineyards 2009 CabernetSyrah,

Snake River Valley, $25. Greg Koenig

probably knows the Snake River Valley better than

any other winemaker, based on his years in the

industry and his experience working with different

vineyards. And this is one of the finest wines he’s

made, a 50-50 blend of Cabernet Sauvignon from

Williamson Vineyard and Syrah from Hells Canyon

Vineyard. It opens with inviting aromas of

blackberries, chocolate syrup and dusty pie cherries,

followed by flavors of black currants, black licorice,

sizzling bacon, graphite and blackberry liqueur. It has

a beautiful mouth feel and sturdy but approachable

tannins that highlights the best of both varieties.