Novelty Hill, Columbia Valley (Washington) Roussanne 2020

 Novelty Hill wines are made by veteran winemaker, Mike Januik, in partnership with the owners of Stillwater Creek.  Both Novelty Hill wines and those from the Januik Winery are showcased at a new facility in Woodinville.  Roussanne has not yet attracted as much interest as Viognier and often is blended with Marsanne and Viognier.  This Novelty Hill version allows the fruit to shine through as the wine was fermented and then aged for 6 months in neutral French oak.  On the nose it offers a combination of floral and pear aromas with an unusual herb tea component.  Lively and smooth on the palate, it takes on some citrus flavors along with the pear and herb notes.  It finishes with a rush of acidity but overall it is a pleasing, richly textured wine in a drink now style.