




While at Total Wine, I picked up the previous Novelty Hill bottle and this Januik Merlot, (the Cabernets are a bit out of my price range at the moment). As mentioned previously, these wineries share a tasting space in Woodinville, WA. Mike Januik, the winemaker and owner of the Januik label, has been labeled one of the "Masters of Merlot" and, as the name implies, specializes mainly in Bordeaux grapes sourced from mature vineyards around the Columbia Valley. 2013 was a warmer year towards harvest than the previous two vintages, yielding in changes to the flavor profile of many of the grapes in the Columbia Valley due to the longer hang time on the vine. This wine is composed of 96% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Sauvignon (likely to add a tad more tannic structure), harvested from Weinbau, Klipsun, and Ciel du Cheval vineyards and seems like it could benefit with another year or two under its belt. ~$22 | #januik #merlot #columbiavalley
On the eyes: Med opacity, bright, magenta-garnet, med stain, med+ tears. No gas, evidence of floc.
On the nose: Cherry, black plum, orange peel, dried hay, herbaceous, with a hint of chocolate, med+ alcohol.
On the tongue: Med+ tannin, med acid, med+ alcohol, med+ body. Cherry, black plum skin, and blueberry yielding to hints of menthol, chocolate, and cedar with a pleasant long oaky finish. — 10 years ago
Lovely merlot, featuring all of the usual suspects. Was great for a midday sipper in the shade with friends. Paired nicely with a prosciutto flatbread and a goat cheese and caramelized onion one as well. This wine is one of the many reasons we're in the club... — 11 years ago
Very good... Don't drink a lot of Malbec but really like this one. — 11 years ago
Great value. Will age very well. Forrest floor and mint. — 3 years ago
Super fruity! — 5 years ago
Not nearly as sweet as previous vintages (thank God). Fruity, slightly floral, and chalky aromatics. Strong berry fruit and minerality for taste and a crisp finish. I'm currently at a Rose tasting party, and so far this is my fav; I hope it's not sold out. 70% Syrah 18% Grenache 12% Mourvedre — 8 years ago
Simply amazing. Smooth but good bite to it! — 10 years ago
Another great Washington wine. Went very fast with everyone enjoying it. — 10 years ago
Peachy and delightful, perfect for a hot summer day. — 11 years ago
Light slightly very smell, plum, sweet, fruity but with a darkness. Yummy — 11 years ago
Buttery and pretty good — 11 years ago
Thank you Jonathon L . Perfect selection — 4 years ago
Quite a novelty enjoying this one at Deep Creek, just a short distance away from Foggy Hill and Tapanappa Campground. Interesting phase of development. It’s a little stern but full of interest. Intriguing if not seductive. Cherry and musk stick aromas, touch of wood, some dried fruit on the palate, a little autumnal. Quite a firm, drying finish. — 5 years ago
Chardonnay — 10 years ago
The lodge at Crystal Lake. Good wine. Good times. — 11 years ago
Nice finish. — 11 years ago
Zach D
@Delectable Wine this is the Kreuznacher Kahlenberg auslese trocken. Seemingly a novelty as from what I’ve read this is the only year they have produced a dry auslese. The nose is tertiary with dried orchard fruits, dried pineapple, hint of petrol, dried oregano and mint. The palate has a honeyed component of dried apricot and dried pineapple. High acid. The finish falls off quickly which might be indicative that it is over the hill slightly. Lacks a bit of concentration and with some residual sugar would likely be improved. Still, an enjoyable wine. — 8 months ago