A blend of 59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot and 9% Cabernet Franc, aged 21 months in almost all new French oak barrels, the 2017 Reserve Red opens to a firm, generous and juicy frame. Full-bodied, the wine remains ripe and juicy on the palate with firm tannins that will loosen with age, before showing flavors of cinnamon graham crackers from the oak. The long, persistent finish continues to evolve with flavors of spiced plum reduction that linger on the palate for moments beyond. Just over 2,200 bottles were produced. It should drink well until its 15th birthday.

A blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon,16% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 1% Malbec, the 2016 Reserve Red bursts out of the glass with incredible concentration, depth, power and finesse with a juicy core of red and black fruit, oak tones and dusty nuances of baked earth. Full-bodied, the palate shows impeccable focus and precision with a balanced structure framing the wine and lifting tannins, energetic acidity and a rich mouthfeel delivering pleasure across the mid-palate. It ends with flavors of oak spice and dusty dark chocolate on the long-lasting and berry-laced finish. 196 cases produced. Give it a try!

The richest and ripest wine in Januik's 2015 portfolio, the 2015 Reserve Red offers up lavish aromas of berry preserve, chocolate and new oak, but on the palate it's firm, compressed and drying, with a heady finish that's dominated by tannin. It doesn't justify its premium this year.

Januik’s 2012 Columbia Valley Reserve Red is a smoking blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc and Malbec. It offers a big, voluptuous and decadent style to go with lots of chocolate-laced dark fruits, tobacco leaf and spice-like aromas and flavors. While a big, full-throttle effort, it stays lively and fresh, and is always a joy to drink. I don’t think it will make old bones, but it should have an easy decade of overall longevity, and I certainly wouldn’t be surprised to see it evolve for longer either.

My favorite of the portfolio (as it was in the 2007 vintage) is the 2008 Reserve Red Wine, a blend of predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon with some Merlot from the Champoux and Weinbau vineyards. Aromas of sandalwood, exotic spices, violets, earthy minerals, black currants, and blackberry lead to a dense, plush, concentrated wine with extra layers of flavor. Beautifully proportioned and lengthy, it is likely to have a 20 year lifespan. 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