Andrew Januik has a globe-trotting spirit. The son of famed Washington State winemaker, Mike Januik, Andrew has now been at the helm of Januik/Novelty Hill for many years. Several years back he started his own label that focused on Washington Cabernet and Rhone wines, and toda he produces a range of wines from both Chile and Malbec. For many years now he has been going down to Mendoza to make world class Malbec. Because of Argentinian customs and regulations, bringing his wines back has been more than a headache. All of Andrew’s namesake wines tend to be very deep and concentrated wines that are not for the weary. Oak treatment is moderate on these wines, as it is on his Cabernet wines.
As beautiful as his Cabernets are, the new wines from South America are just as good. Do not miss out on the new stunning 2020 Andrew Januik ‘Southern Sojourn’ Carmenere (OB, 94) which is rich and plush, showing the wonderful vegetal tones from this varietal. These wines are extremely reasonably priced under 50 dollars. Check out more about these beautiful wines at https://www.noveltyhilljanuik.com/wines/andrew-januik/ Here are my tasting notes from my Andrew Januik ‘Southern Sojourn’ wines.
2020 Andrew Januik ‘Southern Sojourn’ Syrah- This is the inaugural edition of this wine which comes from Almahue Valley. Syrah vines are set on granite, as this yields a very stony profile on the mouth. Layers of red currants and cigar ash collide with green olives, white pepper and bacon fat notes. The soft texture entices, as this beautiful wine is drinking great now and will continue to impress over the next eight years. Drink 2022-2030- 93
2020 Andrew Januik ‘Southern Sojourn’ Carmenere- Another new wine in the Andrew Januiik collection of wines, the 2020 ‘Southern Sojourn’ Carmenere was sourced from 75 year old vines in the Almahue Valley. The nose is pure Carmenere with its green bell pepper tones alongside white pepper dusted brisket, red currants and layers of boysenberry preserves. This is wonderfully herbal and soft once on the mouth, with layers of rich dark fruits, espresso grounds and dark chocolate flavors. Exceedingly good now, enjoy over the next fifteen years. You will love this limited production Carmenere. Drink 2022-2037- 94
2019 Andrew Januik ‘Southern Sojourn’ Malbec- The 2019 ‘Southern Sojourn’ Malbec is highly perfumed on the nose with violets and red currants that combine with wet stone, chocolate pie and suggestions of English black tea. The palate is very seamless and soft, with an inviting texture and wonderful sense of richness. This is quite simply the best edition of this wine that shows good weight, while maintaining a fantastic acid backbone. Plush and soft, enjoy now and over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2022-2030- 94