Black Hills Estate Winery 2013 Nota Bene - 92+pts

Black Hills Estate Winery 2013 Nota Bene (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC 

Availability: Sold out at the winery, though, VQA and private wine shops have it in stock
Cost: $54-60
Alcohol: 13.7%
Date Tasted: September 26th, 2015

Tasting Notes: For Nota Bene connoisseurs, it's worth noting that the 2013 vintage sees the fabled red blend return to using Cabernet Sauvignon as the leading grape for its assemblage after a one year switch to Merlot in the driver's seat. The final blend is 49% Sauvignon, 40% Merlot and 11% Cabernet Franc and the finished wine fits comfortably into the Nota Bene lexicon; it's big, it's intense and it's complex.


Layers of dark fruit, licorice, sage, tobacco, sweet vanilla, mocha, mint, toasted oak and general earthiness can be perceived on the developing bouquet. Similar flavours grace the (nearly) dry, full-bodied palate where the dark fruit characters take centre stage with compelling supporting roles from wild berry acidity and fine, dusty tannins. Oak treatment notes linger on the long finish with a medley of savoury spices.

A wine more for the future than the present, taking hours to open up today. With careful cellaring, presume to enjoy this beauty after a further 2-3 years in the bottle. Drink 2018-2023+.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca

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