From Southwind Vineyard in the Walla Walla AVA comes the release of my 2020 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 98 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 2040.

Aromas of ripe red cherry, raspberry and fresh thyme. Full-bodied with zippy acidity. Bright and dynamic on the palate with structured, fine tannins that carry the juicy fruit well. 38% Mourvedre, 34% Grenache and 28% Syrah. Drink or hold until 2035.

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.

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 2039.

Vineyards & Growing Season

The 2019 growing season started slowly with cool temperatures extending into late spring, but the weather warmed as summer progressed and the vines achieved August veraison dates in keeping with a typical year. As a result of cooler than average temperatures earlier in the season, crops were thinned during the summer. Careful vineyard management helped support even ripening into the fall, a season marked by cooler temperatures yet again. But the grapes enjoyed the added hang-time that allowed the fruit to achieve physiological maturity, resulting in wines notable for their excellent natural acidity, concentration and 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.