Novelty Hill Merlot

Novelty Hill Merlot 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.

Quick Facts: ABV: 14.4%  |  Origin: Columbia Valley, Washington  |  Style: Red Blend (Merlot-dominant)  |  Producer: Novelty Hill Januik Winery

Production & Heritage

Novelty 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.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: 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.

Taste: 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.

Finish: 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.

How to Drink Novelty Hill Merlot

This 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 Red Wine Spritzer highlights the berry brightness with simple sparkling water and a citrus twist. A Kalimotxo (equal parts red wine and cola over ice) plays off the plum and spice notes for an easy warm-weather drink. A classic Sangria built around this Merlot benefits from its natural dark fruit concentration, requiring less added sweetener than lighter reds.

Best For

• Weeknight dinners when you want something reliably well-made without overthinking
• Introducing someone to high-quality Washington State Merlot
• Gifting a red wine enthusiast who appreciates Columbia Valley producers
• Building a case of versatile, food-friendly American reds

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Novelty Hill Merlot taste like? 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.

How does Novelty Hill Merlot compare to Northstar Merlot? 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.

Is Novelty Hill Merlot good for sipping neat? 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.

Where is Novelty Hill Merlot made? 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.

What foods pair well with Novelty Hill Merlot? 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.

What sizes does Novelty Hill Merlot come in? Novelty Hill Merlot is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle.

Is Novelty Hill Merlot worth the price? 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.

Why Novelty Hill Merlot?

What 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.