One’s first impression is of a minty wine, with a cranberry flavor and plenty of acidity. Spicy and tart, it seems a little stiff. But retasted a full day later, the wine had retained its structure, adding some depth to the fruit and pretty baking spice to the finish. — (2/1/2013) —88

The 2008 Grenache Stillwater Creek Vineyard offers up a lovely bouquet of underbrush and red cherries. This leads to an elegant wine with attractive red fruit flavors that is in need of greater depth and concentration. Drink it over the next 4-5 years. Novelty Hill and Stillwater Creek Vineyard are owned by Tom Alberg. The vineyard, located on the Royal Slope of the Frenchman Hills (way off the beaten path), was planted in 2000 and has acquired a reputation for the high quality of its fruit.Tel. (425) 481-8317; www.noveltyhillwines.com

Plump and juicy flavors of bramble, red currant and raspberry lead into a smooth, satisfying middle with a streak of caramel running right through it. Excellent flavor and persistence for such a young wine. Just a little thin as it fades. ——P.G.(11/1/2011)—— 89

Stillwater Creek may prove to be one of the great Grenache sites in Washington, which is experiencing a state-wide renaissance with the grape. This is a stellar effort, bursting with juicy red fruit, bourbon barrel, candied cherries, and a finishing layer of sweet chocolate. Though it bursts onto the palate with a rainbow of fruit flavor, it persists and shows both depth and length as well. Lovely.——P.G.(2/1/2011)—— 92

The Rhone varieties begin with the 2006 Grenache Stillwater Creek Vineyard. Dark ruby-colored, it has a fragrant nose of wild strawberry and black cherry. On the palate it is medium-bodied with spicy red fruits, a silky texture, and soft tannins. Nicely concentrated and moderately lengthy, it can be enjoyed over the next six years. Novelty Hill and Stillwater Creek Vineyard are owned by Tom Alberg. The vineyard, located on the Royal Slope of the Frenchman Hills (way off the beaten path), was planted in 2000 and is beginning to acquire a reputation for the high quality of its fruit. A year ago the winery moved into its new quarters in Woodinville which it shares with Januik Winery. The Novelty Hills wines are made by the talented Mike Januik. This portfolio over-delivers in a very big way.Tel. (425) 481-8317; www.noveltyhillwines.com