One juicy, forward and quaffable beauty is the 2013 Merlot from the Columbia Valley. Medium to full-bodied, textured and straightforward, it gives up lots of juicy black fruits, herbs and earth on both the nose and palate. It’s not going to make old bones, but it will certainly offer plenty of pleasure over the coming 5-6 years.

Looking at the Bordeaux varieties and a soft, straightforward and quaffable effort, the 2010 Merlot possesses solid cherry, underbrush and spice aromas and flavors, medium body and a clean finish that has solid length. Drink it over the coming handful of years. Drink now-2016. Tel. (425) 481-5502

A Novelty Hill 2009 Merlot appellated “Columbia Valley” and comprised of fruit from Alder Ridge and Stillwater Creek displays candied Morello cherry, vanilla and almond extract, its confectionary aura slightly awkwardly allied to notes of green herbs. Polished in texture as are most wines from Mike Januik, and satisfying in terms of sheer length (with a hint of pit piquancy adding attractive counterpoint) if not in any way intriguing or complex, I suspect this will be best enjoyed over the next couple of years. 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

The 2008 Merlot Columbia Valley sports a pleasing perfume of spice box, cedar, tobacco, and black currants. Succulent on the palate with good depth and concentration, this well-balanced wine is an outstanding value meant for drinking over the next 5-6 years. 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. Tel. (425) 481-8317; www.noveltyhillwines.com

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