Novelty Hill Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley 2005

In terms of quality and value (Quality to Price Ratio or QPR in wine parlance), Woodinville’s Novelty Hill consistently ranks toward the top. The wines are always excellent to exceptional at reasonable price points and can frequently be found on sale. Winemaker Mike Januik – who also has his own Januik label – serves as winemaker.

Novelty Hill sources much of its fruit from Stillwater Creek Vineyard. The winery's portfolio includes a number of vineyard designated wines from this vineyard. Stillwater Creek is a 245 acre, family owned vineyard on the Royal Slope of the Frenchman Hills (you can feel the new AVA coming!) in Royal City, Washington about 45 miles east of Ellensburg. Stillwater Creek is providing grapes to an increasing number of vintners including Betz, Baer, and Saviah.

Wines:
Score	Name	Notes	$
*	Novelty Hill Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley 2005	Oak aromas predominate – including toffee, cedar, and white pepper – on a nose marked by little fruit. Round and generous and palate coating. Well balanced with soft tannins. Anise and tart fruit mark the finish. 14.1% alcohol. 4,108 cases produced. Purchased at Safeway for $18.	$25