Novelty Hill Chardonnay

Novelty Hill Chardonnay 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 Wine Enthusiast across multiple vintages — a testament to its consistency and quality under winemaker Mike Januik.

Quick Facts: ABV: 13.5%  |  Origin: Columbia Valley, Washington  |  Estate Vineyard Chardonnay  |  Winery: Novelty Hill (est. 2000)

Production & Heritage

Novelty 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.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Yellow apple and Bosc pear lead the nose, followed by a dusting of warm baking spice and lemon rind. Wine Enthusiast described the aromatics as "completely enchanting."

Taste: 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 Wine Enthusiast called "a lot of sophistication and reserve" — richness without heaviness.

Finish: 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.

How to Drink Novelty Hill Chardonnay

This 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.

• White Negroni: The wine's lemon pith and spice notes complement the gentian bitterness in a White Negroni riff served as a spritz.
• Chardonnay Sangria: Pear and apple flavors integrate naturally with sliced stone fruit and a splash of brandy for a refined warm-weather punch.
• French 75 (wine variation): The barrel richness stands up well as a sparkling-wine substitute in a lighter, still-wine take on the classic.

Best For

• Gifting a Washington State wine enthusiast exploring Columbia Valley whites
• Pairing with a multi-course dinner where Chardonnay bridges lighter and richer dishes
• Introducing someone to premium barrel-fermented Chardonnay without Napa pricing
• Hosting a comparative tasting of Pacific Northwest versus Burgundy-style Chardonnays

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Novelty Hill Chardonnay taste like? 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.

How does Novelty Hill Chardonnay compare to Januik Cold Creek Vineyard Chardonnay? 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.

Is Novelty Hill Chardonnay good for sipping neat? 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.

Where is Novelty Hill Chardonnay made? 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.

What foods pair well with Novelty Hill Chardonnay? 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.

What sizes does Novelty Hill Chardonnay come in? The standard release is available in a 750ml bottle.

Is Novelty Hill Chardonnay worth the price? Novelty Hill positions as a premium estate Chardonnay that consistently scores 91 points from Wine Enthusiast, 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.

Why Novelty Hill Chardonnay?

Few 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 Wine Enthusiast 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.