Mike Januik will be the last person to tell you that he is one of Washington’s most celebrated and tenured winemakers. For nearly three decades, Januik has been producing wines that top the lists of publications for both of his wineries, Novelty Hill and signature Januik, he is one of the world’s 10 “Masters of Merlot” according to Wine Enthusiast magazine and his name is eponymous with vineyards like Stillwater Creek, Seven Hills, Klipsun, Ciel du Cheval and, in this case, Champoux. Paul Champoux’s 175-acre vineyard in the Horse Heaven Hills is known for its whipping winds and sandy-loam soils, growing grapes with intense concentration and serious tannins. For obviously reasons (a ripe vintage and this particular vineyard), Januik’s 2009 Champoux Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is a powerhouse—exuding dark, ripe and concentrated fruits of black currants and black cherry that are just as sleek and enticing as they are rich and robust. Dusted with cocoa, cedar and savory herbs, the wine is supple and lingering with finesse now but built for age on its well-framed tannic structure.
