Novelty Hill Syrah

Novelty Hill Syrah 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 Wine Enthusiast and 90 points from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, placing it among the consistently well-regarded Syrahs from Washington State.

Quick Facts: ABV: 14.4%  |  Origin: Columbia Valley, Washington  |  Aged 18 Months in French & American Oak  |  Winery: Novelty Hill  |  Winemaker: Mike Januik

Production & Heritage

Novelty 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.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: 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.

Taste: 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.

Finish: 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.

How to Drink Novelty Hill Syrah

This 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.

• Classic Syrah pairing with grilled lamb: The wine's dark fruit and black pepper character mirrors traditional Rhône-style pairings, standing up to charred, herb-crusted cuts.
• Braised short ribs: The smooth, supple tannins and savory finish complement rich, slow-cooked beef preparations.
• Aged hard cheeses: A wedge of aged Gouda or Manchego echoes the wine's density and draws out its spice notes.

Best For

• Exploring Washington State Syrah beyond the usual suspects
• Pairing with a weekend steak or lamb dinner
• Gifting a red wine enthusiast interested in Pacific Northwest wines
• Building a cellar with age-worthy, estate-grown American Syrah

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Novelty Hill Syrah taste like? 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.

How does Novelty Hill Syrah compare to Chateau Ste. Michelle Columbia Valley Syrah? 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.

Is Novelty Hill Syrah good for sipping on its own? 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.

Where is Novelty Hill Syrah made? 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.

What foods pair well with Novelty Hill Syrah? 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.

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

Is Novelty Hill Syrah worth the price? Novelty Hill Syrah positions as a mid-premium Washington State Syrah, and its consistent critical recognition — including a 92-point score from Wine Enthusiast — suggests strong value relative to estate-grown wines from dedicated vineyard sites at this tier.

Why Novelty Hill Syrah?

What 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 Wine Enthusiast (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.