Januik Cabernet Sauvignon

Januik Cabernet Sauvignon is a Columbia Valley, Washington red wine bottled at 14.4% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Scoring 92 points from James Suckling on the 2019 vintage, this Cabernet-dominant blend has earned consistent critical recognition across multiple publications, including 90 points from both Wine Spectator and Vinous.

Quick Facts: ABV: 14.4%  |  Origin: Columbia Valley, Washington  |  Style: Cabernet-Dominant Red Blend  |  Winery: Januik Winery

Production & Heritage

Januik Winery was founded in 1999 by veteran winemaker Mike Januik and his wife Carolyn. Mike's long-standing relationships with premier Columbia Valley growers give the winery access to fruit from distinguished sites including Weinbau, Shaw, Obelisco, and Quintessence vineyards. The wine is typically composed of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, and 3% Cabernet Franc, aged for 20 months in a combination of 50% new French oak and 50% once-used French oak barrels, with racking performed every five months to build structure and clarity.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Ripe black cherry and dark plum lead the nose, followed by layers of baking spice, cocoa powder, and a subtle vanilla warmth drawn from the French oak program. There is an underlying thread of cassis that deepens as the wine opens in the glass.

Taste: The entry is full-bodied and dense, delivering concentrated blackberry and blackcurrant fruit across the front palate. At mid-palate, flavors of pomegranate and coffee emerge alongside creamy, well-integrated tannins. Nutmeg and dark chocolate notes round out the peak, giving the wine a polished, layered quality.

Finish: The finish is moderately long, with soft tannins that carry lingering impressions of cherry, espresso, and warm spice. A gentle oak sweetness persists without overwhelming the fruit.

How to Drink Januik Cabernet

This wine is at its best when served at 60–65°F in a large-bowled Bordeaux glass; decanting for 30–45 minutes allows the oak and fruit to fully integrate. While built for sipping with food, it also works well in wine-based mixed drinks. A Cabernet Sangria benefits from the wine's bold dark fruit and spice backbone. A Red Wine Spritzer made with sparkling water and a citrus twist highlights the cherry and pomegranate notes in a lighter format. A classic Kalimotxo (red wine and cola) plays off the coffee and cocoa undertones for a casual warm-weather serve.

Best For

• Pairing with a grilled ribeye or braised short rib dinner
• Gifting a Washington State wine enthusiast exploring Columbia Valley reds
• Stocking a home cellar with age-worthy, small-production Cabernet
• Hosting a comparative tasting of Columbia Valley versus Napa Valley Cabernets

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Januik Cabernet taste like? Januik Cabernet Sauvignon is a full-bodied red dominated by ripe black cherry, cassis, and blackberry fruit, with supporting notes of cocoa, coffee, nutmeg, and French oak vanilla. The tannins are soft and polished, giving the wine a creamy, accessible texture.

How does Januik Cabernet compare to Chateau Ste. Michelle Cabernet Sauvignon? Both are Columbia Valley Cabernets, but Januik operates on a significantly smaller production scale, sourcing from select vineyard sites and aging exclusively in French oak for 20 months. Chateau Ste. Michelle produces at much larger volume, often making it more widely available and typically positioned at a lower price point, while Januik tends toward greater concentration and oak complexity.

Is Januik Cabernet good for sipping neat? Yes — its full body, soft tannin structure, and layered dark fruit and spice profile make it an excellent wine for drinking on its own, especially after a brief decant to open up the aromatics.

Where is Januik Cabernet made? Januik Cabernet Sauvignon is produced by Januik Winery, located in Woodinville, Washington, using fruit sourced from multiple vineyard sites across the Columbia Valley AVA, including Weinbau, Shaw, Obelisco, and Quintessence vineyards.

What foods pair well with Januik Cabernet? Grilled lamb chops complement the wine's dark fruit and spice; aged cheddar mirrors its oak-driven richness; braised short ribs echo the coffee and cocoa notes; dark chocolate desserts harmonize with the finish; and roasted portobello mushrooms match the wine's earthy undertones.

What sizes does Januik Cabernet come in? Januik Cabernet Sauvignon is available in the standard 750ml bottle format.

Is Januik Cabernet worth the price? Januik Cabernet positions as a premium Columbia Valley red, sitting above everyday supermarket Cabernets but below single-vineyard luxury bottlings. With consistent scores of 90–94 points across respected publications, it delivers strong value for drinkers seeking small-lot Washington Cabernet with genuine complexity.

Why Januik Cabernet?

Mike Januik's three-plus decades of winemaking experience in Washington State — including his tenure as head winemaker at Chateau Ste. Michelle before founding his own label — give this wine a pedigree that few Columbia Valley producers can match. The multi-vineyard sourcing strategy allows the winemaking team to blend for complexity and consistency vintage to vintage, while the 20-month French oak aging program adds structure without masking fruit character. Repeated scores of 90 points and above from James Suckling, Wine Spectator, and Vinous confirm that this is not merely a regional curiosity but a serious Cabernet that competes on a national level. For anyone exploring what Washington State Cabernet can achieve at this quality tier, Januik's flagship bottling makes a compelling case.