Featuring Morello cherry and almond extract familiar from the multi-vineyard rendition of this grape in the present collection, Novelty Hill’s 2009 Merlot Stillwater Creek Vineyard evinces a greater degree of sheer juiciness as well as a more complex sense of counterpoint by way of cherry pit piquancy, brown spices and bittersweet licorice. The notes of oak here are well-integrated on a polished palate and the finish delightfully lingering finish. This should perform well for at least 3-4 years and probably beyond. Novelty Hill wines are made by veteran Mike Januik in the same (deluxe, now five year old) facility as are his Januik wines (reviewed separately in this report), but is a partnership with Tom Alberg and Judi Beck that originated when in 2000 they consulted with Januik on the establishment of what became Stillwater Creek Vineyard. Unsurprisingly, that inspirational Frenchman Hills site (for a bit more about which, see my comments in the introduction to this report) is the source for around one-third the volume of Novelty Hill’s wines (and is, incidentally, where I tasted them). While there are a number of excellent white wines on this roster, it should be borne in mind that more than three-quarters of Novelty Hill production is red, vinified along the lines sketched in my account of Januik wines in the present report. Tel. (425) 481-5502