#noveltyhill
Novelty Hill
Royal Slope Columbia Valley Red Blend 2008
Novelty Hill and Januik share wineries out of Woodinville, WA. Both wineries are managed by Mike Januik and specialize in premium varietal clones. The Columbia Valley AVA is the largest AVA in Washington State. Even though Washington is much further north than California, the peak ripening in most grapes occurs slightly later than CA. This one is a kitchen sink wine, that is predominately Merlot (59%) but also contains Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Verdot, Sangiovese, and Mourvèdre. Someone must have thought this one was past its prime, but I feel like the drinkability continues - picked up at Total Wine. ~$17 | #noveltyhill #columbiavalley #totalwine
On the eyes: Deep rusty red, bright and clear, med+ stain, med+ tears, no gas/floc.
On the nose: Funky stewed blueberry, black cherry, raspberry, with a hint of hay, and earthy mustiness. Med+ alcohol.
On the tongue: Med+ acid, med tannin, med+ alcohol, med+ body. Stewed black cherry and raspberry, raisin, white pepper, hint of spice, licorice, and woodsy finish. Tart on the way down, nice long finish. — 8 years ago
Zachary Price
A previously reviewed Columbia Valley winery, Novelty Hill leverages winemaker Mike Januik's expertise in crafting this label, (independent of Januik's own winery, which shares a tasting room space with Novelty Hill in Woodinville, WA). The Woodinville area is a compact hub of Washington wine makers, ~30 minutes outside of Seattle (depending on traffic...), that is home to over 130 distinct winery tasting rooms that showcase the potential of the wines sourced from the Pacific Northwest AVAs. The area owes it's existence to the prodigious Chateau Ste. Michelle's decision to lay roots in Woodinville. This bottle was picked up at a Total Wine and paired with a red sauce linguine. Delish! ~$20 | #noveltyhill #columbiavalley #cabernetsauvignon
On the eyes: Deep, opaque, mocha garnet, med stain, med+ tears, no gas/floc.
On the nose: Violets, plum, black cherry, hint of menthol and oak, med alcohol.
On the tongue: med+ tannins, med+ acid, med+ alcohol, full round body. Jammy black plums and cherries, tobacco, slightly herbaceous, ending with a long cigar box finish. Decant! — 8 years ago