Woodinville Passport - Januik Winery

It is easy to get from Novelty Hill to Januik Winery, just go to the other side of the winery. Mike Januik's wines are exquisite examples of varietal type. And his wines always have his signature taste of almost creamy smoothness depending, of course, on the varietal. Once again, I preferred the 2003 Columbia Valley Merlot(about $25) to the 2003 Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (about$30).The Cabernet was a bigger wine that should improve with ageing. The Merlot is medium bodied with complex aromas and flavors of raspberries and cedar. It, too, will improve with age, but is great right now. The flavors are so interesting, it almost seems better to linger over it without food - maybe some cheese. The 2003 Columbia Valley Syrah ($30) is typical of so many Washington State Syrahs - smooth with lots of fruit, a hint of vanilla, and gentle spice and pepper. The 2004 Cold Creek Vineyard Chardonnay ($30) reminds me of the minerality of a great Meursault from Burgundy which is not surprising since it was fermented in new French oak barrels sur lie for ten months. With it's beautiful balance of citrus flavors, minerality, and creamy texture, I would rather drink the Cold Creek Chardonnay than many white Burgundies at much higher prices.