2020 Novelty Hill "Royal Slope" Red, Columbia Valley, Washington, USA

ABOUT THIS WINE

The Royal Slope Red is a flagship blend from Novelty Hill, crafted from carefully selected parcels within Washington’s Royal Slope AVA—an elevated subregion of the Columbia Valley known for its long growing season, diurnal temperature shifts, and volcanic loess soils. These conditions yield wines with both concentration and vibrancy.

The 2020 vintage is a Bordeaux-style blend, typically dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, with supporting roles from Malbec, Petit Verdot, and sometimes Syrah or Cabernet Franc, depending on the year’s balance. The fruit was hand-harvested and sorted, then fermented in small lots with gentle extraction to preserve aromatics and structure. The wine was aged in French oak barrels (around 40–50% new) for 18–22 months prior to blending and bottling.

On the palate, the 2020 Royal Slope Red is plush and generous, with flavors of dark cherry, cocoa nib, tobacco, and graphite. The oak is well-integrated, lending a subtle toast and spice element without overshadowing the fruit. A fine balance of richness and lift makes it approachable now, but structured enough to improve over the next 7–10 years.

ABOUT THIS PRODUCER

Novelty Hill is a premium Washington State winery founded by Mike and Carolyn Januik in partnership with grower Tom Alberg, with winemaking led by veteran vintner Mike Januik—formerly head winemaker at Chateau Ste. Michelle. Based in Woodinville, Novelty Hill shares production facilities and vineyards with Januik Winery, and both labels emphasize site-specific wines that reflect Washington’s dynamic terroirs.

The estate sources much of its fruit from the acclaimed Stillwater Creek Vineyard on the Royal Slope, which the team helped develop into one of the state’s top sites for Bordeaux and Rhône varieties. Farming at Stillwater Creek emphasizes low yields and sustainable practices, with careful clonal selection and canopy management to maximize quality.

In the cellar, the winemaking approach is clean, modern, and focused on balance. Small-lot fermentations, precision blending, and thoughtful oak aging define the house style—wines that are polished, expressive, and built to age without sacrificing early appeal.

The Royal Slope Red exemplifies Novelty Hill’s strengths: premium vineyard sourcing, expert winemaking, and a commitment to crafting wines that overdeliver in both character and value.