Novelty Hill Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2003

It would be easy to predict this wine will be a "big noise".

Novelty Hill Winery is owned by Seattle attorney Tom Alberg. Mike Januik, former Chateau Ste. Michelle winemaker and owner of Januik Winery, is Consulting Winemaker. Januik's label and Novelty Hill will soon share new winery facilities and a tasting room in Woodinville (Seattle), Washington.

Novelty Hill Columbia Valley Cab 2003 is 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Malbec, 4% Merlot, and 2% Cabernet Franc. Vineyard sources included the estate vineyard, Stillwater Creek, Seven Hills, and Red Mountain. Aging averaged 20 months in primarily French oak barrels, new and one-year-old. Tasting Notes:  Color: Deep purplish black cherry, translucent. Aromas: Complex, with racy blackberry, cassis, smoky oak, buttery crust, earth, and sweet pie spice. On the tongue, the structure is there. Dark fruit, cedary oak, pepper, nutmeg, and even cocoa, propel this nicely tart claret as the finish lingers.

Closure: Real cork. Excellent value ($17, Pete's). Production: 2150 cases.