{"title":"Novelty Hill","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"novelty-hill-syrah","title":"Novelty Hill Syrah","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNovelty Hill Syrah\u003c\/strong\u003e is a 100% Syrah from Columbia Valley, Washington, bottled at 14.4% ABV in a standard 750ml format. This estate-grown wine has earned up to 92 points from \u003cem\u003eWine Enthusiast\u003c\/em\u003e and 90 points from Robert Parker's \u003cem\u003eWine Advocate\u003c\/em\u003e, placing it among the consistently well-regarded Syrahs from Washington State.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 14.4%  |  Origin: Columbia Valley, Washington  |  Aged 18 Months in French \u0026amp; American Oak  |  Winery: Novelty Hill  |  Winemaker: Mike Januik\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNovelty Hill sources its Syrah from the estate-owned Stillwater Creek vineyard, perched along the Frenchman Hills in Columbia Valley. The site's steep, south-facing slopes and diverse Syrah clonal selections contribute striking color, depth, and complexity to the finished wine. After harvest, the wine spends 18 months aging in a combination of French and American oak barrels under the direction of winemaker Mike Januik, a respected figure in Washington winemaking known for balancing fruit intensity with structural finesse.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e The glass opens with dark, intense color and aromas of wild blackberry and ripe dark plum. A second wave reveals warm, exotic spice and hints of black pepper that add aromatic lift.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e On entry, expressive layers of dark plum and ripe black currant command the palate. At mid-palate, wild blueberry and fresh blackberry flavors emerge, building toward a mouth-filling, medium-to-full body. The mouthfeel is smooth and supple, with a density that carries the fruit without heaviness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e The finish is long and lush, with savory undertones that linger well past the last sip. Residual notes of black pepper and dark stone fruit fade gradually, rewarding patience.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Novelty Hill Syrah\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis Syrah is best enjoyed at cellar temperature, around 60–65°F, in a large-bowled glass that allows its aromatic complexity to develop. A brief decant of 30 minutes opens up the mid-palate layers considerably.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eClassic Syrah pairing with grilled lamb:\u003c\/strong\u003e The wine's dark fruit and black pepper character mirrors traditional Rhône-style pairings, standing up to charred, herb-crusted cuts.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBraised short ribs:\u003c\/strong\u003e The smooth, supple tannins and savory finish complement rich, slow-cooked beef preparations.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAged hard cheeses:\u003c\/strong\u003e A wedge of aged Gouda or Manchego echoes the wine's density and draws out its spice notes.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExploring Washington State Syrah beyond the usual suspects\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePairing with a weekend steak or lamb dinner\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting a red wine enthusiast interested in Pacific Northwest wines\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuilding a cellar with age-worthy, estate-grown American Syrah\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Novelty Hill Syrah taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e Novelty Hill Syrah delivers bold, fruit-forward flavors of dark plum, wild blackberry, and black currant, layered with black pepper and exotic spice. The mouthfeel is smooth and medium-to-full-bodied, finishing long with savory undertones.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Novelty Hill Syrah compare to Chateau Ste. Michelle Columbia Valley Syrah?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both wines come from Columbia Valley and appear on Vivino's top-ranked Washington State Syrah lists at comparable price points. Novelty Hill differentiates itself through estate-grown fruit from the specific Stillwater Creek vineyard site and its 18-month oak aging program, which tends to yield a denser, more layered wine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Novelty Hill Syrah good for sipping on its own?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes — the wine's balanced structure, generous fruit, and supple tannins make it highly approachable as a standalone pour. A slight chill to around 60–65°F and a short decant help it show its best.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Novelty Hill Syrah made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Novelty Hill Syrah is produced in Columbia Valley, Washington, from estate-grown grapes at the Stillwater Creek vineyard located along the Frenchman Hills. Winemaker Mike Januik oversees production at the Novelty Hill facility in Woodinville, Washington.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Novelty Hill Syrah?\u003c\/strong\u003e Grilled or roasted lamb benefits from the wine's peppery spice and dark fruit. Braised short ribs match its density and savory finish. Smoked sausages and charcuterie complement its earthy undertones. Aged hard cheeses like Manchego or Gouda draw out spice complexity. Mushroom-based dishes — especially grilled portobello — echo the wine's earthy character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Novelty Hill Syrah come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e Novelty Hill Syrah is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle format.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Novelty Hill Syrah worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Novelty Hill Syrah positions as a mid-premium Washington State Syrah, and its consistent critical recognition — including a 92-point score from \u003cem\u003eWine Enthusiast\u003c\/em\u003e — suggests strong value relative to estate-grown wines from dedicated vineyard sites at this tier.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Novelty Hill Syrah?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat separates this wine from the crowded field of Columbia Valley reds is its single-estate sourcing from Stillwater Creek, a vineyard specifically chosen for its south-facing slopes and diverse Syrah clonal plantings. That site-driven focus, combined with 18 months in French and American oak, produces a wine with both immediate appeal and genuine depth. Repeated critical recognition from \u003cem\u003eWine Enthusiast\u003c\/em\u003e (up to 92 points) and Robert Parker (90 points) across multiple vintages signals consistency rather than a one-off success. Under Mike Januik's direction, Novelty Hill Syrah stands as one of Washington's more reliable expressions of the varietal — bold enough to satisfy Syrah loyalists, polished enough to convert the curious.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Novelty Hill","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44837921685673,"sku":"34671","price":21.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/Novelty-Hill-Syrah__53933.jpg?v=1730500496"},{"product_id":"novelty-hill-merlot","title":"Novelty Hill Merlot","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNovelty Hill Merlot\u003c\/strong\u003e is a Columbia Valley, Washington red wine bottled at 14.4% ABV in a standard 750ml format. The 2022 vintage earned a Double Gold medal at the Oregon Wine Awards, and multiple vintages have received 90-point scores from both Wine Enthusiast and Wine Spectator — placing this firmly among the most consistent Washington Merlots in its price tier.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 14.4%  |  Origin: Columbia Valley, Washington  |  Style: Red Blend (Merlot-dominant)  |  Producer: Novelty Hill Januik Winery\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eNovelty Hill operates under the Novelty Hill Januik Winery umbrella, led by veteran winemaker Mike Januik, one of Washington State's most respected figures in red wine production. The Merlot draws fruit from several premium Columbia Valley sites, including the Frenchman Hills, Horse Heaven Hills, and the estate Stillwater Creek vineyard — a 235-acre plot on the Royal Slope of the Frenchman Hills. The wine is typically a Merlot-dominant blend (around 91–95% Merlot with small additions of Cabernet Sauvignon and occasionally Malbec), aged for 22 months in new and one-year-old barrels with 65% French oak. The production philosophy is intentionally minimalist: allow vineyard expression to lead, apply modern fermentation controls, and use oak judiciously to frame rather than mask the fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e The nose opens with brooding dark raspberry and black plum before giving way to baking spice, allspice, and a subtle hint of cocoa. With air, sandalwood and a trace of charred bark emerge in the background.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is sleek and plush, delivering ripe red currant and wild raspberry at the front of the palate. Mid-palate, the wine gains concentration with dark berry fruit layered over clove and cinnamon spice. A creamy, richly textured mouthfeel carries through to the peak, supported by supple, refined tannins and good herbal complexity.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Medium-long and well balanced, with lingering notes of red pepper fruit and bitter chocolate. The tannins remain tight-knit but polished, leaving a clean, spice-driven close.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Novelty Hill Merlot\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis Merlot shows its best qualities at cellar temperature (60–65°F) with 20–30 minutes of breathing time; a brief decant opens up the darker spice and fruit layers. It also works beautifully in red wine cocktails. A \u003cstrong\u003eRed Wine Spritzer\u003c\/strong\u003e highlights the berry brightness with simple sparkling water and a citrus twist. A \u003cstrong\u003eKalimotxo\u003c\/strong\u003e (equal parts red wine and cola over ice) plays off the plum and spice notes for an easy warm-weather drink. A classic \u003cstrong\u003eSangria\u003c\/strong\u003e built around this Merlot benefits from its natural dark fruit concentration, requiring less added sweetener than lighter reds.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeeknight dinners when you want something reliably well-made without overthinking\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroducing someone to high-quality Washington State Merlot\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting a red wine enthusiast who appreciates Columbia Valley producers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuilding a case of versatile, food-friendly American reds\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Novelty Hill Merlot taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e Novelty Hill Merlot is rich and plush, dominated by dark raspberry, black plum, and red currant fruit layered with allspice, clove, and a hint of cocoa. The palate has a creamy texture with refined tannins and a spice-driven finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Novelty Hill Merlot compare to Northstar Merlot?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both are benchmark Columbia Valley Merlots, but Northstar typically commands nearly twice the price and leans toward a denser, more structured profile. Novelty Hill delivers comparable quality and complexity at a significantly more accessible price point, making it a strong value alternative.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Novelty Hill Merlot good for sipping neat?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes — its balanced tannins, creamy mouthfeel, and layered fruit make it an excellent choice for drinking on its own, especially with a brief decant to let the aromas fully develop.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Novelty Hill Merlot made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Novelty Hill Merlot is produced by Novelty Hill Januik Winery in Washington State, sourcing grapes from premium Columbia Valley sites including the estate Stillwater Creek vineyard on the Royal Slope of the Frenchman Hills, as well as the Horse Heaven Hills sub-region.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Novelty Hill Merlot?\u003c\/strong\u003e Grilled lamb chops complement the wine's herbal and spice complexity. Braised short ribs mirror its rich, dark fruit profile. Mushroom risotto echoes the earthy undertones. Aged Gouda or Gruyère amplify the cocoa and clove notes. Roasted beet salad with goat cheese provides a lighter pairing that highlights the berry fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Novelty Hill Merlot come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e Novelty Hill Merlot is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Novelty Hill Merlot worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Novelty Hill Merlot positions as a mid-range Columbia Valley red that consistently punches above its weight class, earning 90-point critical scores and a Double Gold medal. For a Washington Merlot at this value tier, it delivers an uncommon combination of complexity, polish, and vineyard-driven character.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Novelty Hill Merlot?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhat separates this wine from the crowded Washington Merlot field is the combination of elite vineyard sourcing and a winemaker with decades of regional expertise. The Stillwater Creek estate vineyard sits at a distinctive elevation on the Royal Slope, producing fruit with natural concentration and structure. Mike Januik's minimalist approach — restrained oak usage, vineyard-forward winemaking — results in a Merlot that genuinely tastes like Columbia Valley rather than a barrel program. With consistent 90-point scores from major publications and a Double Gold at the Oregon Wine Awards, Novelty Hill Merlot has earned its reputation as one of the best values in premium Washington red wine.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Novelty Hill","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44837921718441,"sku":"34672","price":21.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/Novelty-Hill-Merlot__20355.jpg?v=1730500500"},{"product_id":"novelty-hill-chardonnay","title":"Novelty Hill Chardonnay","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNovelty Hill Chardonnay\u003c\/strong\u003e is a 100% Chardonnay from Columbia Valley, Washington, bottled at 13.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Sourced from the winery's own Stillwater Creek estate vineyard on the Royal Slope of the Frenchman Hills, this expression earned 91 points from \u003cem\u003eWine Enthusiast\u003c\/em\u003e across multiple vintages — a testament to its consistency and quality under winemaker Mike Januik.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 13.5%  |  Origin: Columbia Valley, Washington  |  Estate Vineyard Chardonnay  |  Winery: Novelty Hill (est. 2000)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eNovelty Hill Winery was founded in 2000 when the Alberg family asked veteran winemaker Mike Januik to assess vineyard land on the Royal Slope. Januik was so impressed with the site that he proposed launching a winery around it — and the Albergs agreed on the condition that he make the wines. The Chardonnay is barrel-fermented in French oak, with 50% new barrels, then aged sur lie for 10 months, building texture and complexity while preserving bright fruit character from the Stillwater Creek estate vineyard.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yellow apple and Bosc pear lead the nose, followed by a dusting of warm baking spice and lemon rind. \u003cem\u003eWine Enthusiast\u003c\/em\u003e described the aromatics as \"completely enchanting.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is full and luscious, with ripe apple and fresh pear flavors giving way to lemon pith and subtle barrel toast at mid-palate. The mouthfeel is smooth and filling, showing what \u003cem\u003eWine Enthusiast\u003c\/em\u003e called \"a lot of sophistication and reserve\" — richness without heaviness.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Toasty French oak and just a pat of butter linger on a harmonious, measured close. The finish is generous in length but restrained in weight, letting fruit and oak resolve cleanly.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Novelty Hill Chardonnay\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis Chardonnay rewards a slight chill — around 50–55°F — and shows its full range of texture and aroma in a wide-bowled glass, served without ice. Its balanced oak profile also makes it a strong cocktail and aperitif component.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWhite Negroni:\u003c\/strong\u003e The wine's lemon pith and spice notes complement the gentian bitterness in a White Negroni riff served as a spritz.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eChardonnay Sangria:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pear and apple flavors integrate naturally with sliced stone fruit and a splash of brandy for a refined warm-weather punch.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFrench 75 (wine variation):\u003c\/strong\u003e The barrel richness stands up well as a sparkling-wine substitute in a lighter, still-wine take on the classic.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting a Washington State wine enthusiast exploring Columbia Valley whites\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePairing with a multi-course dinner where Chardonnay bridges lighter and richer dishes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroducing someone to premium barrel-fermented Chardonnay without Napa pricing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHosting a comparative tasting of Pacific Northwest versus Burgundy-style Chardonnays\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Novelty Hill Chardonnay taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e It is a full-bodied, luscious Chardonnay dominated by ripe apple and pear with supporting notes of lemon rind, warm spice, and subtle barrel toast. The texture is smooth and mouth-filling, with a harmonious, butter-touched finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Novelty Hill Chardonnay compare to Januik Cold Creek Vineyard Chardonnay?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both wines are made by winemaker Mike Januik and share a Columbia Valley origin, but Novelty Hill draws exclusively from its Stillwater Creek estate vineyard, while Januik sources from the older Cold Creek Vineyard in the Horse Heaven Hills. The Novelty Hill tends toward fresh pear and apple richness, whereas Cold Creek is often cited as a benchmark for the variety from the broader Columbia Valley.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Novelty Hill Chardonnay good for sipping neat?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes — its barrel-fermented richness, sur lie texture, and layered fruit make it an excellent choice for drinking on its own, ideally served lightly chilled around 50–55°F.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Novelty Hill Chardonnay made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Novelty Hill Winery is located in Woodinville, Washington, and the Chardonnay fruit comes from the winery's Stillwater Creek estate vineyard on the Royal Slope of the Frenchman Hills within the Columbia Valley AVA.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Novelty Hill Chardonnay?\u003c\/strong\u003e Roasted chicken with herb butter highlights the wine's toasty oak and lush texture. Seared halibut or pan-roasted scallops complement its apple and pear fruit. Aged Gruyère or Comté echo the barrel-fermented richness, while a pear and arugula salad with walnuts mirrors its core fruit and adds a peppery contrast.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Novelty Hill Chardonnay come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e The standard release is available in a 750ml bottle.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Novelty Hill Chardonnay worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Novelty Hill positions as a premium estate Chardonnay that consistently scores 91 points from \u003cem\u003eWine Enthusiast\u003c\/em\u003e, placing it among the stronger values in barrel-fermented, single-vineyard Washington Chardonnay — a category where comparable Napa and Sonoma bottlings often cost significantly more.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Novelty Hill Chardonnay?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFew winemakers in Washington State have built a stronger reputation with Chardonnay than Mike Januik, and this bottling represents his most estate-driven expression of the variety. The Stillwater Creek vineyard's location on the Royal Slope provides warm days and cool nights that preserve acidity while building concentrated fruit — a combination that barrel fermentation in 50% new French oak amplifies without overwhelming. Consistent 91-point scores from \u003cem\u003eWine Enthusiast\u003c\/em\u003e across vintages confirm this is not a one-off success but a reliably well-made wine. For drinkers seeking a Columbia Valley Chardonnay with genuine estate provenance and a winemaker's personal stamp, this bottling delivers on both fronts.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Novelty Hill","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44837921751209,"sku":"34673","price":21.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/Novelty-Hill-Chardonnay__72313.jpg?v=1730500504"}],"url":"https:\/\/theliquorbarn.com\/collections\/novelty-hill.oembed","provider":"The Liquor Barn","version":"1.0","type":"link"}