2022 Januik Red Wine, Columbia Valley, Washington, USA

ABOUT THIS WINE

Crafted by veteran winemaker Mike Januik, the 2022 Januik Red Wine is a blend of Bordeaux varietals—typically led by Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, with smaller portions of Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot. Sourced from some of Washington’s most acclaimed vineyards, including Stillwater Creek, Ciel du Cheval, and other high-quality sites within the Columbia Valley AVA, the wine reflects the region’s long sunlight hours, diurnal temperature swings, and well-draining soils that allow for optimal ripening and structure.

The 2022 vintage offered a warm, consistent growing season that produced fruit with ripe tannins, balanced sugars, and vibrant acidity. After hand-harvesting, the grapes were fermented in small lots to retain varietal character and then aged in French oak barrels (about 40% new) for 18 months to build structure and integration.

The resulting wine is plush and approachable, yet structured enough for short- to mid-term cellaring. Expect flavors of dark berries, cassis, vanilla bean, and a hint of graphite, with a round, seamless mouthfeel and a gently spiced finish.

ABOUT THIS PRODUCER

Januik Winery was founded in 1999 by Mike Januik, one of Washington State’s most respected winemakers, previously head winemaker at Chateau Ste. Michelle. Operating alongside Novelty Hill at a shared facility in Woodinville, Januik focuses on small-lot, site-driven wines crafted from premier Columbia Valley vineyards.

With decades of experience and long-term relationships with top growers, Mike Januik emphasizes precision winemaking—using native and cultured yeasts, small-lot fermentations, and careful barrel selection to highlight fruit purity and vineyard character. His style marries New World ripeness with classical structure, creating wines that are both generous and refined.

The Januik Red Wine is a consistent overachiever in value and quality—crafted with the same attention to detail as the winery’s single-vineyard bottlings, but offered as a more accessible, versatile expression of the vintage. It’s a go-to Washington blend that speaks clearly of both place and purpose.