For more than 35 years, winemaker Mike Januik has been producing elegant, balanced wines that reflect the unique geography, climate, and soils of Washington’s best Columbia Valley vineyards. Novelty Hill Wines focus on estate-grown, single vineyard wines from Stillwater Creek. The varied topography of the site creates a diverse series of mesoclimates, allowing more than a dozen grape varieties to thrive there. We will sample:

Chardonnay 2020 — Fresh and aromatic, bursting with crisp apple, juicy pear and a hint of baking spice. The fruit gains intensity on the palate, with the wine’s lively, balanced acidity adding to the mouthfeel. Rich and textured across a lengthy finish. 13.5% ABV. Rating: 91, Wine Enthusiast. $24.50/$8.50

Royal Slope Red Blend 2019 — 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. Blend: 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc. 14.4% ABV. $21.99/$7.50

Syrah 2019 — Inky in the glass; balanced and expressive, with lively layers of dark plum, wild blueberry and fresh blackberry aromas offset by hints of black pepper and exotic spice. Smoky and savory tones on the palate, offering black olive, blackberry compote and coffee ground flavors. Rich and mouth-filling, the refined tannins linger across a savory finish. Full-bodied with good structure; drink now-2029. 14.4% ABV. Rating: 91, Vinuous. $24.50/$8.50

See y’all Friday!!