Novelty Hill & Januik, September 12, 2014

Tasting Room - 7 / Wines - 6
Range:  1 to 9 (9 is best, 5 is average)
Native American art displayed in modern setting.  Bordeaux varietals.
www.noveltyhilljanuik.com
 
After doing some research, I wanted to taste at both Novelty Hill and at Januik.  Much to my surprise, one visit would be enough to experience both labels, as they are both made side-by-side using the same facilities.  And, they are poured side-by-side.  It would turn out that the main difference between the two labels is the sourcing of the grapes, with each label using its own estate grapes.  (An “estate” wine consists of grapes grown entirely on property owned by the winery.)  Also on the Woodinville winery trail along Woodinville-Redmond Road, the Novelty Hill winery and tasting room is fairly easy to find and well worth the visit.  Of the three tasting rooms I visited this day, the Novelty Hill offered the nicest tasting room and the nicest wines (and a great value too).  Had I been a resident of the Seattle area, this is a wine club I would have joined.

Native American art inside the Novelty Hill tasting room

In stark contrast to the other places I visited, the Novelty Hill facility features a modern take on style, finished primarily in smooth concrete and accented by beautiful redwood.  This style follows you inside to a two-story atrium-like tasting area in the middle of the facility.  Surrounding the tasting area are conference rooms and offices along opposing walls, and a floor-to-ceiling view along another wall into the operations room, which is one floor below.  The forth wall is mostly glass facing the outdoor patio (to the south), letting in ample natural light.  While there is no direct glare, plenty of light filters into the tasting area from numerous light portals.  The tasting room itself features tall concrete walls fitted with some dramatic Native American art along one length, and rich woodwork supporting wine racks along the other length.  A tasting bar is set up running the middle of the room, with ample space to enjoy your tasting.  There are also a few barrels and tables where you can carry your pours away from the bar, or you can brave the weather outdoors (which today’s weather made very tempting).

Enjoy your tastings as you watch the Novelty Hill operations floor below.

One thing my tasting experience here in Washington has taught me is that Washington’s king varietal is Merlot (unlike California’s Cabernet).  We were able to taste both the Novelty Hill and Januik wines side-by-side, where you get more of a sense of the soil and climate where the grapes are grown (due to consistent winemaking practices).  We started with the 2010 Novelty Hill Stillwater Creek Merlot, followed by the 2012 Januik Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2011 Novelty Hill Stillwater Creek Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2012 Januik Cabernet Franc, and the 2011 Januik Klipsun Merlot.  Of these, the 2010 Novelty Hill Stillwater Creek Merlot was my favorite, followed closely by the 2012 Januik Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.  Again, had I not be flying, I would have bought a few bottles.
 
Based on this experience, I would rate the winery a 7 and the wines poured a 6.