Mike Januik was Head winemaker for Chateau Ste. Michelle from 1990 to 1999, which won Wine & Spirits "Winery of the Year" honors in 1997 and 1999. In 1999, Januik started Novelty Hill, a small, independent winery crafting limited quantities of elegant wines from Washington State's finest vineyards. His winemaking has garnered international kudos, including being named one of the world's 10 masters of merlot by Wine Enthusiast in 1999. This ripe, soft Merlot is a harmonious blend of black cherry, raspberry and mocha aromas and flavors that combine with an undercurrent of inviting oak and is in an etched 3.0 liter bottle, equivalent to four bottles of wine.