Novelty Hill R.S.R. Red Wine Blend 2017, Columbia Valley, Washington

2017 vintage – 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc. sourced primarily from Novelty Hill’s family-owned estate vineyard, Stillwater Creek on the Royal Slope of the Frenchman Hills. It is one of the steepest sites in the Columbia Valley. The 2017 R.S.R. blend also includes select lots of Wahluke Slope grapes. This area is one of the driest, warmest climates in the state, providing nearly complete control of vine vigor and ripening through irrigation to accentuate the character of the fruit.Twice-daily pumpovers gently extracted color and flavor from the grapes during the early stages of fermentation. Fermentation finished in barrels to integrate the fruit and oak. Aged 19 months in 25% new, 55% used French oak; 10% new, 10% used American oak barrels. “Concentrated and richly scented in the glass with enticing black fruit aromas gaining focus on the palate. Fresh plum, currant and black cherry flavors stretch across a long, textured finish.” – Mike Januik, Winemaker