The 2004 Merlot Columbia Valley has a toasty nose with hints of earth, espresso, cassis, and black cherry. This leads to a medium-bodied wine with ripe, sweet fruit, soft tannins, and good length. It has the structure to evolve for several years although it can be enjoyed now. Tel. (425) 481-5502; www.januikwinery.com

This is a pretty, plummy purple color; it smells of cherries and a tease of chocolate. It is drinking well right now, with pie cherry and tart plum fruit. It’s relatively high in acid, at least in terms of how it hits the palate, and a bit one dimensional, lacking in textural interest.——P.G.(11/1/2007)—— 88