The 2007 Merlot sports a nose of cedar, spice box, cassis, and black currant. A bit lean on the palate but with attractive, savory flavors as well as a sense of elegance, it will deliver pleasure over the next 8 years. All Mike Januik does is make good wine, year after year, without a lot of fanfare or glitz.Tel. (425) 481-5502; www.januikwinery.com

This strong and supple Merlot brings finesse and power to play, mixing black fruits with veins of coffee, dark chocolate, and a hint of pepper. Small percentages of Cabernets Sauvignon and Franc add muscle, but Merlot is the star here, firm and persistent, streaked with smoke and finished with butterscotch.——P.G.(2/1/2011)—— 91