Black Hills Estate Winery 2017 Alibi - 88pts

Black Hills Estate Winery 2017 Alibi (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and select VQA and private wine stores
Cost: $24.90 + taxes
Alcohol: 13%
Date Tasted: June 4th, 2018
@blackhillswine

Tasting Notes: Now in its 15th year, Black Hill's Alibi is ever changing, adapting to the vintage conditions, with the 2017 producing a leaner, crisper blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon (an 80/20 split) with plenty of texture and aromatic fruit on the grassy, stone fruit infused nose and on the zesty/lemony, dry'n'mineral-y palate. Pair with seafood and citrus-y salads and avoid rich, spicy dishes like Pad Thai. Drink now-2021.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Black Hills Estate Winery 2016 Alibi - 89pts

Black Hills Estate Winery 2016 Alibi (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and select VQA and private wine stores
Cost: $25 + taxes
Alcohol: 12.2%
Date Tasted: July 14th, 2017
@blackhillswine

Tasting Notes: A rich and aromatic Sauvignon Blanc thanks to the inclusion of 25% Semillon which contributes apricot and nectarine aromas and flavours to the profile of white peach, lemongrass and zesty, mineral-y lemons. Finishes dry with lingering tangy citrus peel and herb notes. Drink now-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

Black Hills Estate Winery 2015 Alibi - 89pts

Black Hills Estate Winery 2015 Alibi (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and select VQA and private wine stores
Cost: $25
Alcohol: 12.5%
Date Tasted: July 23rd, 2016

Tasting Notes: The Black Hills' Alibi never disappoints. This blend of 75% Sauvignon Blanc and 25% Semillon is remarkably consistent, year-to-year, with the aromas and flavours of a medley of fleshy, ripe, stone fruit: white peach, nectarine and apricot. Add-in mineral and fresh herb notes and a texture that combines oily and tangy-citrus facets and you're in for an intriguing and tasty glass of wine. Drink now-2019.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca

Black Hills Estate Winery 2014 Alibi - 90pts

Black Hills Estate Winery 2014 Alibi (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and select VQA and private wine stores
Cost: $25
Alcohol: 12.7%
Date Tasted: October 2nd, 2015

Tasting Notes: Can the nose of a wine be delicious? Well, the Alibi puts that question to the test with its alluring, fruity nose of ripe, apricot, nectarine and white peach aromas; you want to jump into the glass and take a bite! The palate follows through on that desire offering up juicy, sweet orchard fruit flavours with a solid backbone of citrus acidity and minerals balancing out the fruit. Delicious! Drink now-2017.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca

Black Hills Estate Winery 2013 Alibi - 90pts

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

Availability: Direct from winery here and select VQA and private wine stores
Cost: $25
Alcohol: 13.4%
Date Tasted: February 9th, 2015

Tasting Notes: Mimics the experience of chomping into a freshly picked white peach, from the aromas and flavours down to the medley of textures; the tangy acidity, the juicy flesh and even the bitter skin. Fantastic. This ode to white Bordeaux, a blend of 75% Sauvignon Blanc and 25% Semillon, also offers notes of herbs, minerals and exotic, tropical fruits and makes for an excellent, mouth-watering aperitif. Drink now-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca

Black Hills Estate Winery 2012 Alibi - 90pts

Black Hills Estate Winery 2012 Alibi (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and select VQA and private wine stores
Cost: $25
Alcohol: 14.5%
Date Tasted: October 18th, 2013

Tasting Notes: 'Effortless' comes to mind when appreciating this white Bordeaux-style blend delivering a harmonious, elegant expression of 75% Sauvignon Blanc and 25% Semillon. Subtle, aromatic notes and aromas of ripe white peach, grapefruit, orange blossom, green apple and slate come to life after a chance to breath and warm up slightly in the glass - be sure not to serve this wine too cold.

The similarly flavoured palate follows with a playful juxtaposition of a rich, creamy-textured body balanced by refreshing citrus acidity, keeping the mouth feel alive and vibrant. Handles its 14.5% alcohol like a champ, never feeling 'hot'. Drink now-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Black Hills Estate Winery 2009 Alibi - 89pts

Black Hills Estate Winery 2009 Alibi (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery. Select VQA and private stores.
Cost: $30
Alcohol: 13.8%
Date Tasted: July 3rd, 2010

Tasting Notes: A classic white Bordeaux-style blend of 75% Sauvignon Blanc and 25% Semillon that offers good complexity and concentration of flavours.

The nose displays youthful fruity aromas of grapefruit, gooseberry, pineapple, grass and lemon with strong mineral notes of slate and flint. The palate offers refreshing, citrus acidity and the flavours of grapefruit and stonefruit. There is a pleasant, cool, steeliness to the wine that makes it an excellent summer sipper. The finish is very balanced and lingers for 20 seconds+. Drink now through 2012.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2010 (with Hugh Carter)