(Novelty Hill Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley) On the nose, a bit muted at the moment (no surprise given that it's a 2007). Chocolate along with spice (can't quite pick up what it is, a bit of anise perhaps?) and some pleasing herbal elements. Fairly acid driven on a taste that is very evenly balanced across the palate. A powdered chocolate element on the nose along with a bit more tannin structure. Smooth and even. The nose has lots of cherry, black pepper, and an under layer of anise. Definitely more of a chocolate and anise component on the nose and taste than I get on the 2006. I like the nose more on the 2006 but like the palate a bit more on the 2007. Retrying after decanting, a lot of great stuff on the nose. I think the 2007 has a bit more upside, although the 2006 is tasting better right now with another year in the bottle. The 2007 carries more completely across the palate. I also get, as this wine opens up, a light egg component on the nose. Perhaps from egg fining? 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc; 1% Petit Verdot. 3,964 cases produced. 14.4% alcohol.
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By Sean Sullivan
(Novelty Hill Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley) On the nose, a bit muted at the moment (no surprise given that it's a 2007). Chocolate along with spice (can't quite pick up what it is, a bit of anise perhaps?) and some pleasing herbal elements. Fairly acid driven on a taste that is very evenly balanced across the palate. A powdered chocolate element on the nose along with a bit more tannin structure. Smooth and even. The nose has lots of cherry, black pepper, and an under layer of anise. Definitely more of a chocolate and anise component on the nose and taste than I get on the 2006. I like the nose more on the 2006 but like the palate a bit more on the 2007. Retrying after decanting, a lot of great stuff on the nose. I think the 2007 has a bit more upside, although the 2006 is tasting better right now with another year in the bottle. The 2007 carries more completely across the palate. I also get, as this wine opens up, a light egg component on the nose. Perhaps from egg fining? 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc; 1% Petit Verdot. 3,964 cases produced. 14.4% alcohol.9/30/2009, (See more on Washington Wine Report...) **** points