2022 Novelty Hill - Syrah Columbia Valley (750ml)

Novelty Hill and its sister winery Januik share a production facility in Woodinville, Washington, under winemaker Mike Januik, one of the state's most respected vintners. The winery traces back to 2000, when Tom Alberg and Judi Beck partnered with Januik to plant Stillwater Creek, a new estate vineyard, and the collaboration soon grew into a full winemaking venture. The team moved into its current custom built Woodinville facility in 2007, designed specifically to allow small lot production and careful, hands on handling at every stage.

This Syrah is sourced primarily from the Stillwater Creek estate vineyard, planted on a steep, south facing hillside on the Royal Slope in the Frenchman Hills within the broad Columbia Valley appellation. Grapes are hand harvested in small bins, gently crushed and destemmed, then fermented in stainless steel with regular tasting to monitor progress. The 2022 vintage spent about eighteen months maturing in a mix of French and American oak, a portion of it new, contributing structure without overwhelming the fruit.

Deep purple in the glass, this Syrah offers layers of blackberry, dark plum, and black cherry alongside notes of black pepper and exotic spice, with a savory, earthy undertone characteristic of Washington grown Syrah. Refined tannins and a supple texture carry through to a long, generous finish. It suits grilled meats particularly well, from spare ribs to lamb, and also complements roasted game or aged cheeses.