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17/20
Black Hills Nota Bene 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis note comes from a 17-wine vertical tasting held in Osoyoos, British Columbia on Saturday September 30. Each of the bottles tasted were in good physical condition although clearly some of the older, formative years are now past their best. Working through 17 vintages of Nota Bene makes it clear that better viticulture, older grapes vines, new facilities and better wine knowledge has improved the all-round quality of the current Nota Bene labels when compared to its humbler beginnings. A brooding black hue, this vintage of Black Hills' iconic Note Bene is another evolution in style. Now in its sixteenth vintage, it is gifted (wisely) an additional six months of barrel aging, with the aim for that extra layer of integration and softening of the massive tannin this wine carries in youth. It sure looks like a win to me, though the best years of this wine's life are yet to come. The 52/33/15 blend of cabernet sauvignon, merlot and cabernet franc (all Oliver estate fruit) at 14.9 percent alcohol is tightly wound but with dense, sweet tannins and plenty of smoky roasted black cherry fruits. This needs a decade in the bottle or a three hour decant before serving it with lamb or venison. Winemaker Graham Pierce.Tasted: 05 November 2017Tasted by: Prices:| BC | $53.00 | 750ml | winery direct and private wine shops |
Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon - Merlot - Cabernet FrancCSPC: 708073UPC: 62990061533
