Januik
Columbia Valley Merlot
Columbia Valley, Oregon/Washington, USA
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.
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.
Ripe strawberries and raspberries, well balanced with tannins and gravel minerality.
Ripe strawberries and raspberries, well balanced with tannins and gravel minerality.
Mar 2nd, 2016
Kind of smokey. Heavy tannins. Smooth.
Kind of smokey. Heavy tannins. Smooth.
Jan 11th, 2016
