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.
Berry on the nose, lite licorice finish. Paired well with our veggie lasagna.
Berry on the nose, lite licorice finish. Paired well with our veggie lasagna.
Sep 4th, 2020Great wine. Complex yet smooth. Falls a little flat at the end. Great price point. Great for a casual night.
Great wine. Complex yet smooth. Falls a little flat at the end. Great price point. Great for a casual night.
Jan 19th, 2018
