From Southwind Vineyard in the Walla Walla AVA comes the debut release of my 2018 Andrew Januik Baba Yaga Cabernet Sauvignon. Because I am confident this is a wine you will not only love on release but will also want in your cellar, I have set aside the full production  — all 150 cases — for J-NH Cellar Circle members only.

This deeply violet wine offers intense aromatics of dark fruit and earth. The finely textured front of the palate introduces a wine with immense structure. It shows classic Malbec characteristics of plum and dark cherry but has an expressive note of minerality. This high elevation wine will linger for ages, both on the finish and in the cellar. Drink now until 2037.

The 2018 Los Molinos offers intense, bright red fruit aromas with a hint of orange blossom, along with concentrated purple fruit flavors and a silky, textured mouthfeel. Look for notes of minerality and lively acidity on the finish.

This dark magenta wine’s nose has beautiful high notes of raspberry and mineral. The well-structured body is supple in the front, showing notes of cassis and earth throughout the palate. The long, textured finish is framed by strong tannins. Drink from now until 2033.

Vineyards & growing season

Lady Hawk and Champoux Vineyards are two of the finest vineyards that Washington State has to offer, and both clearly represent the uniqueness of the Horse Heaven Hills AVA. Lady Hawk, owned and operated by Judi and Paul Champoux, is a very small parcel of land with less than five acres planted, all of which is Cabernet Sauvignon. Luckily there are no other wineries that receive grapes from this meticulously managed vineyard, thus leading to a truly one of a kind wine. Champoux Vineyard, which is located adjacent to Lady Hawk, produces beautifully supple and complex wines, many of which have become the most famous and highest rated to come out of Washington State.

The Columbia Valley saw a shift back to a more moderately warm year in 2017 after a couple of years with record-setting heat. A wet, cool spring delayed bud break but warm weather in the summer brought the ripening back to a normal schedule. Moderate fall temperatures led to ideal conditions for small berries and clusters with intensity and plenty of acidity.

A beautiful violet wine with generous aromas of blackberry and cocoa. The textured layers show flavors ranging from huckleberry to pepper. The finish is long and brimming with bright acidity and fine tannins. Enjoy this wine from now until 2038.

Vineyards & Growing Season

The 2018 growing season began with a cool April that was followed by a warm May. The dry, warm summer brought the ripening back on track for a normal schedule. The cool September nights of 2018 allowed for extra hang time on Red Mountain. This combination of growing conditions allowed for small berries and clusters with great concentration of flavor.

Ciel du Cheval, Obelisco, and Quintessence Vineyards, all located in the Red Mountain AVA, are three of my favorites. These particular vineyards always express the terroir of Red Mountain especially well. The rich soils, dependable air drainage, and limited rainfall result in highly concentrated berries with dense skins, rich inky color, and daring complexity.