The 2007 Merlot, aromas of spice box, tobacco, incense, cassis, and black currant lead to a tasty, medium-bodied, well-balanced Merlot with some elegance and a medium-long finish. Novelty Hill and Stillwater Creek Vineyard are owned by Tom Alberg. The vineyard, located on the Royal Slope of the Frenchman Hills (way off the beaten path), was planted in 2000 and has acquired a reputation for the high quality of its fruit. A year ago the winery moved into its new quarters in Woodinville which it shares with Januik Winery. The Novelty Hills wines are made by the talented Mike Januik. This portfolio over-delivers in a very big way. Every recommended wine in the portfolio is a very good to outstanding value. Tel. (425) 481-8317; www.noveltyhillwines.com

Novelty Hill’s Merlot includes 6% Cabernet Sauvignon and a splash of Cab Franc; the wine is beautifully proportioned and silky in the mouth. Smooth fruits mix berries with chocolate, all buoyed up on just the right amount of acidity. This is elegant and pretty, more than a powerful wine, but there is plenty of ripe fruit flavor and a pat of buttery toast in the finish.——P.G.(2/1/2011)—— 89