Eight Highly Rated Picks in Recent Wine Spectator

Wine Spectator’s Nov. 15 and Nov. 30, 2012 issues featured eight 90+ rated wines from Januik and Novelty Hill, including 93 pts. for the 2009 Januik Reserve Red and 91 pts. and a “Smart Buy” designation for the 2009 Novelty Hill Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley.  The new ratings now push the two wineries’ combined 90+ rated wines from Wine Spectator and Wine Advocate to 159 in total.  A limited amount of a few of these wines are still available from the winery tasting room or on-line.  Read the reviews here:

2009 Januik Reserve Red – Velvety and graceful, with well-defined blueberry, currant and roasted red pepper flavors that mingle easily against refined tannins. This has a nice transparency that lets the flavors shine through, lingering on the balanced finish.  Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Malbec.  WS 11/15/12

2009 Novelty Hill Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley – 91 pts.  SMART BUY Smooth in texture and effusive with its plum, dark berry, mint and cream flavors, rolling easily through polished tannins on the long finish.

2009 Novelty Hill Merlot, Stillwater Creek Vineyard – 91 pts.  Lean and lithe, this red focuses its blackberry, blueberry and plum fruit in a narrow beam that sails through the fine tannins and lingers expressively.  WS 11/30/12

2009 Novelty Hill Syrah, Columbia Valley – 92 pts.   Rich, focused and remarkably fresh in flavor, this big wine delivers blackberry, red plum, floral and cream character in a deftly balanced package. WS 11/30/12

2009 Januik Cabernet Franc, Weinbau Vineyard – 91 pts.  Polished, spicy and distinctive for a lovely rose petal aroma that floats through the dark berry and chocolate flavors. Fine tannins show on the finish.  WS 11/30/12

2009 Januik Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley – 91 pts. Delivers ripe, rich, unvarnished currant and cherry character on a frame balanced deftly to keep everything in bounds and nicely wrapped in fine texture. Hints at tea and spice as the finish lingers. WS 11/15/12

2009 Novelty Hill Syrah, Stillwater Creek Vineyard – 91 pts.  Supple, ripe and appealing, offering juicy blackberry and floral flavors that dance deftly past refined tannins to liven up the finish.  WS 11/30/12 2009 Novelty Hill Cabernet Sauvignon, Stillwater Creek Vineyard – 91 pts.  Fresh and polished, playing plum, currant and bay leaf flavors against hints of tobacco and coffee. Finishing gracefully.  WS 11/30/12