From: Columbia Valley, Washington
Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc
Taste: The 2020 Novelty Hill, Royal Slope Red, exudes a bounteous, medium-bodied character, brimming with dark fruit aromas. The palate is delightfully immersed in layers of sweet cherry, black currant, and wild blackberry flavors. The flavor echo reverberates, leaving a fresh, fruit-forward finish that lingers.
“A generous, medium-bodied wine loaded with dark fruit aromas and layers of sweet cherry, black currant and wild blackberry. The flavors echo across a fresh, fruit-forward finish that lasts.” - Mike Januik, Winemaker
Pairing: This wine's multifaceted character calls for food with strong flavors and high fat content. Consider pairing with rich meats like a juicy ribeye, grilled lamb, hearty burgers, or succulent braised short ribs - this wine will hold its own against the robust meat flavors, and its natural acidity will cut through the fat and rich sauces. For a healthier twist, a steak salad with blue cheese crumbles and bonus mushrooms offers a delicious contrast to this bold, new world wine.
Pepper Steak
By Eric Kim
About. Renowned for its two acclaimed wineries, Novelty Hill and Januik, the Washington State wine landscape has a rich tapestry of vineyards and winemakers. Amongst these names, one stands out - Mike Januik, celebrated for his unique winemaking expertise and pioneering vision. While operating independently, both wineries share state-of-the-art facilities and a destination tasting room under Januik's discerning leadership. This connection makes the tasting experience all the more exclusive.
In 2000, an intriguing partnership was born when the Alberg family decided to plant the Stillwater Creek Vineyard in the Frenchman Hills' Royal Slope in Columbia Valley, an uncharted region for vine-growing. Intrigued by the site's potential and the Alberg family's interest in planting diverse clones, Mike stepped in as a consultant. His enthusiasm led the Alberg family to consider venturing into winemaking, and with Januik as the winemaker, Novelty Hill came to life.
Mike Januik's reputation as one of Washington's most acclaimed winemakers precedes him, yet he remains humble. Preferring to let the wine speak for itself, he refrains from using the descriptor "intense" for his wines, reserving it only for his camping trips. Despite his modesty, it's worth noting that his mastery has seen him named one of the world's ten "Masters of Merlot" by Wine Enthusiast magazine, and more than a dozen of his wines, including those from Novelty Hill, have made it to Wine Spectator's prestigious "Top 100" list.
Novelty Hill's core success stems from the estate vineyard, Stillwater Creek. Located on the Royal Slope of the Frenchman Hills, this vineyard was established in 1999 by Tom Alberg of Seattle on family-owned land. Under veteran viticulturist Ed Kelly's management, Stillwater Creek delivers moderate growing conditions that ensure extended hang time and full flavor development.
Complementing Stillwater Creek's offerings, Mike uses a selection of other Columbia Valley vineyards to add complex layers of flavor. The result is a repertoire of multi-layered wines that beautifully showcase the diverse fruit expressions of the Columbia Valley region.
The 2020 Novelty Hill, Royal Slope Red, is a testament to Mike Januik's winemaking prowess. This generous, medium-bodied wine is brimming with dark fruit aromas and a melody of sweet cherry, black currant, and wild blackberry flavors. This flavorful symphony echoes in a fresh, fruit-forward finish that resonates long after the last sip. The wine embodies the finest expression of the estate vineyard and the skill and dedication of its celebrated winemaker, Mike Januik.
This wine is a treasure trove of flavor and complexity. For those looking for an authentic expression of Washington State's Columbia Valley, the 2020 Novelty Hill, Royal Slope Red is a wine to seek out, savor, and celebrate.