Destination Woodinville: Novelty Hill and Januik

August 31, 9:33 AMSeattle Wine ExaminerKelly Barry

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Novelty Hill and Januik are two independent wineries that share the same Woodinville production facility, as well as winemaker Mike Januik.  I recently visited the gorgeously modern building, which is a short drive from Seattle, and an even shorter drive from Bellevue/Redmond.  In addition to a fabulous and varied lineup, I met Mike and other friendly members of the winery staff, and sampled some delicious Uli sausage pizza from the brick oven.  It turns out that Novelty Hill now has "Wine'd Down Wednesdays", where from 5 - 7pm, you can stop by for a relaxed glass of wine, pizza to go with it, and get 10% off bottle purchases, and play some bocce ball if you like!

I sampled about a dozen wines from both Novelty Hill and Januik, and there wasn't a bad one in the bunch - Mike is pretty talented.  The standouts for me included the  2007 Novelty Hill Viognier Stillwater Creek ($22), which was crisp and fresh with flavors of apricot, white peach and pineapple, nicely balanced with good acidity, and not cloying as some Viogniers can be.  The 2006 Novelty Hill Sangiovese Stillwater Creek ($25) was perfumey with vanilla and licorice, with flavors of black cherry, black pepper, and a hint of Tootsie Roll.  The 2006 Januik Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley ($30) was all smooth black cherry, dark chocolate, with hints of black pepper.  The 2006 Merlot Klipsun Vineyard ($40) also had cocoa notes, but more Mexican chocolate with definite cinnamon and vanilla falvors - smooth and delicious.  The 2006 Januik Reserve Columbia Valley ($65) is predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon, but includes a little Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Malbec.  This one is dark, silky and alluring, with flavors of black currant, dark chocolate, and black cherry.  The 2006 Januik Cabernet Sauvignon Champoux Vineyard ($50) is also deliciously smooth, with currant, black cherry, and spices of cinnamon, oregano, and black pepper.

The food, the pizza!  Sous Chef David Layton is passionate about his delicious creations, and took me on a short tour of the winery's herb garden, which of course I accepted.  He proudly picked me several peppers to take home, including a Hungarian Black, a Jalapeno, and a Sweet Chocolate, and he fetched sweet cherry tomatoes right off the vine, when they are at their sweetest. 

You've got to go for a Wednesday evening visit - great food and wine in a tranquil Zen atmosphere.  Check it out!

For more info: Novelty Hill Winery & Januik Winery, 14710 Woodinville-Redmond Road NE
Woodinville, Washington 98072.  (425) 481-5502. Tasting room is open daily from 11-5.