Novelty Hill
Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Columbia Valley, Oregon/Washington, USA
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+
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+
Mar 15th, 2018
In Portland so going local (ish).
A very dense, plummy nose. Rich mulberries and a hint of soft brown sugar show on the mid-palette. Soft to medium tannins complete what is a respectable showing.
In Portland so going local (ish).
A very dense, plummy nose. Rich mulberries and a hint of soft brown sugar show on the mid-palette. Soft to medium tannins complete what is a respectable showing.
Like velvet on the tongue, tannins, cherry, maybe plum?
Like velvet on the tongue, tannins, cherry, maybe plum?
2 people found it helpfulMar 16th, 2014
Easy to drink. Cherry, blackberry. Classic Cab. Medium to medium-dark body. Not earthy. Not spices would definitely drink again for $20 or less.
Easy to drink. Cherry, blackberry. Classic Cab. Medium to medium-dark body. Not earthy. Not spices would definitely drink again for $20 or less.
1 person found it helpfulApr 28th, 2019
This weekend spoiled me. Flavors and aromas of burnt toast dominate. Some black fruit and baking chocolate add a bit of interest, but still doesn't do much for me.
This weekend spoiled me. Flavors and aromas of burnt toast dominate. Some black fruit and baking chocolate add a bit of interest, but still doesn't do much for me.
Dec 10th, 20155 merlo 3 Malbec red currant and plum fruit with a touch of fresh earth and sweet tobacco spice along with a pretty floral note a nice bit of tannins and good structure and good freshness and balance. Finish 40+ very good +
5 merlo 3 Malbec red currant and plum fruit with a touch of fresh earth and sweet tobacco spice along with a pretty floral note a nice bit of tannins and good structure and good freshness and balance. Finish 40+ very good +
Aug 15th, 2014Meh. Not bad, just not impressive. A bit tight but opened up to aromas of tobacco and black fruit.
Meh. Not bad, just not impressive. A bit tight but opened up to aromas of tobacco and black fruit.
Feb 22nd, 2014
Mostly Cabernet Sauvignon with small amounts of Merlot and Malbec blended in. Dark ruby color. Aromas of cooked black cherries and blueberries. The palate offers a blend of jammy red, blue and blackberry fruit along with notes of mint, baking spices, coffee and orange zest. Medium-plus body and well balanced. Not overly powerful or rich but pretty harmonious. Velvety tannins. I think I enjoyed this one more than you did, Keith S!
Mostly Cabernet Sauvignon with small amounts of Merlot and Malbec blended in. Dark ruby color. Aromas of cooked black cherries and blueberries. The palate offers a blend of jammy red, blue and blackberry fruit along with notes of mint, baking spices, coffee and orange zest. Medium-plus body and well balanced. Not overly powerful or rich but pretty harmonious. Velvety tannins. I think I enjoyed this one more than you did, Keith S!
May 26th, 2024
Legit WA CS here, very traditional nose, varietally correct, not overextracted or overdone. Really enjoyed the cassis, currant, mocha and subtle herbaceous notes. On the palate it was well balanced, sturdy tannins without being clumsy, more rich varietal flavors leading to modest finish. This is a Blue Collar wine, lacking elegance but built solidly.
Legit WA CS here, very traditional nose, varietally correct, not overextracted or overdone. Really enjoyed the cassis, currant, mocha and subtle herbaceous notes. On the palate it was well balanced, sturdy tannins without being clumsy, more rich varietal flavors leading to modest finish. This is a Blue Collar wine, lacking elegance but built solidly.
Jul 29th, 2023