Byron

Monument Pinot Noir 2011

Joan Ziegler

9.1

Shared in Redmond Oregon with Roy, Janet & Rafael very special — 2 years ago

Novelty Hill

Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2014

Isaac Pirolo

9.2

Novelty Hill borrows from the ancient Latin phrase In Novale Novello, “in virgin ground I plant young vines,” for its name. I didn’t realize that there aren’t vines on the actual Novelty Hill in Washington (located about 5 miles east of Redmond). Oh well, so much for my Hill vs Hill face-off with Pritchard Hill’s Bryant Family. This 2014 Novelty Hill Cabernet Sauvignon talks some serious smack, and even brings a serious punch, but that would have been Go-Karts vs Formula One. That said, this is one hell of a Go-Kart. In the low $20s, my first comparison is to Charles Smith’s Substance Cs, and this blows the doors off that wine, and more than justifies its slightly higher price-point. Jumps out of the glass with black cherry, cassis, mocha, licorice, and a heavily spiced cranberry potpourri, while still managing to weave in a savory undertone that emphasizes the noticeable balance. Washington offers extraordinary value across the board, but this is a value even by Washington standards. 92+ — 8 years ago

Jason, "Odedi" and 25 others liked this