Januik Winery Columbia Valley Merlot 2004

"Wherever you go, there you are"*, comes to mind with this beautiful "meditative" Merlot which compels you to be in the present moment. In the case of winemaking this idea translates to knowing what every barrel has to offer, and raising each task to the level of art rather than production, which seems to be Winemaker/Proprietor Mike Januik's approach. Great results have been following him for two decades of Washington State winemaking.

Mike Januik is an artisan winemaker with a large scale winemaking background. As the Head Winemaker with Chateau Ste. Michelle for 10 years he expanded his repertoire, developed relationships with the best Washington State winegrowers, and started Ste. Michelle's single vineyard program. His desire to be more creative led him to open Januik Winery in 1999 and make wines in the hundreds of cases, not thousands. Januik is also Consulting Winemaker for Novelty Hill which is scheduled to open their new winery in Woodinville (Seattle suburb) in spring 2007.

Januik Columbia Valley Merlot 2004 is 89% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Petit Verdot and 2% Cab Franc, sourced from some highly-esteemed Columbia Valley Vineyards including Conner Lee, Ciel du Cheval (translation: Horse Heaven), Klipsun (translation: Sunset) and Alder Ridge. Aging of the lots was about 18 months in mostly new French oak barrels. Cases produced: 1041.

Tasting Notes: Appearance: Deep ruby with a slight haze, translucent. Aromas: Black cherry, chocolate, cinnamon/spice, and long aged rye whiskey. The mouth feel is voluptuous, smooth and polished with perfectly balanced tannins and acidity. The richly layered flavors include cherry and darker fruit notes supported by buttery oak spice, chocolate and citrus rind. The finish is warm and lingers like a friend you want to spend the night with.

Excellent value ($23).  Closure: Real cork.  Alcohol content: 14.4%.

Winewaves reviewed Novelty Hill 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon and named it one of the top reds of the year for 2006.

*"Wherever You Go, There You Are: Mindfulness Meditation in Everyday Life", a book which explores the practice of meditation was written by Jon Kabat-Zinn in the 1990s and is available in paperback at Amazon.