The Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley is Januik Winery’s best selling SKU from year to year. The 2008 is composed of 45% Champoux Vineyard fruit which may explain its popularity. Blended with some Cabernet Franc and Malbec, it offers up an alluring nose of cedar, spice box, tobacco, black currant and blackberry. This leads to a wine with savory flavors, good depth, and enough structure to evolve for 2-3 years. It will drink nicely from 2013 to 2023. Consistent excellence is the theme at Januik Winery where quality wines and fair prices go hand in hand. The latest collection includes two white wines. Tel. (425) 481-5502; www.januikwinery.com

Mike Januik calls 2008 the most perfect harvest weather in his 25 years working in the Columbia Valley. This sleek and beautifully proportioned wine has deep black cherry fruit, with smoky espresso flavors and moderately thick tannins. Substantial yet with appealing purity, it’s a perfect steak wine and also one to stick in the cellar for a decade or so. ——P.G.(11/1/2011)—— 91