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89POINTS
16¼/20
Black Hills Nota Bene 2017
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaIt's hard to believe that this year's Nota Bene is the 18th release of this once super iconic, now firmly established, Okanagan red blend. This vintage blends 45% cabernet sauvignon, 41% merlot, and 14% cabernet franc from their Sharp Rock and Double Black Vineyards in the southern Okanagan. The blend spent 18 months in French barrique, 30% of which was new. Just bottled and newly released, this opens with a wave of reduction, which I let sit until the following day when I retasted. It's still present, along with potent and intense smoked meat, dense cassis, violets, bittersweet chocolate, and toasted wood. Tannins are furry, but appropriate for the 14 degree declaration. At this early stage, I'll give it intensity, and can see it's obviously quite purposefully made, though it's overwhelmingly so. The warmth on the finish demands grilled beef or lamb.Tasted: 02 July 2019Tasted by: Prices:| BC | $59.90 | 750ml | winery direct and private wine shops |
Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon - Merlot - Cabernet FrancCSPC: 708073UPC: 62990061533
