OK that's partially true. Yes, we did attend the Nota Bene release party, where the entertainment was terrific, the food was fabulous, and the wine was flowing. And flowing. And flowing.
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| This was some sort of a dance crew. Apparently some of them needed a nap. |
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| Headliner Barney Bentall gave us all Something to Live For |
We did get to taste some wine directly from the barrel at the party (the newest vintages of Carmenere and Cabernet Sauvignon, which will eventually end up in Nota Bene), but I'm only reviewing the wine that has already been bottled.
Black Hills 2016 Alias ($24.90)
Riesling, Pinot Blanc, Gewurztraminer, Schoenburger, Muscat & Ehrenfelser
Aromas of passion fruit, lemon curd and pineapple. Those fruits hang around onto the palate, joined by some honeysuckle. It's very nice, although last year's vintage produced more pronounced pineapple flavors, and I love me some pineapple. 88.
Black Hills 2016 Rosé ($24.90)
Their first ever Rosé, made from 100% Pinot Noir grapes. Aromas of strawberry, blood orange, cranberry and also features some vegetation. Raspberry and strawberry dominate the delicious, juicy palate. A terrific first effort. 90.
Black Hills 2015 Viognier ($24.90)
Beautiful aromas of white flowers, citrus, orange and papaya. Full bodied and creamy, with wonderful tropical fruit flavors. So nice. 90.
Black Hills 2015 Chardonnay ($29.90)
Pear, apple and butterscotch on the nose. Beautiful and complex flavors of toffee, butter, hazelnut and caramel. Just the right amount of butter on the finish, which adds to but does not overwhelm the fruit. 90.
Black Hills 2015 Carmenere ($35.90)
Their most limited-production wine, available only to wine club members, and it rarely disappoints. Black olive, raspberry, smoke and white pepper on the nose which starts out fruity and becomes almost dusty. Dark berries and white pepper flavors on the palate, which finishes with touches of charred meats. So delicious. 93.
Black Hills 2015 Syrah ($34.90)
Your nose is almost overwhelmed with blueberry, black cherry and plums. Blueberry and blackberry flavors, with a touch of pepper, come to the palate party. Finishes with an almost dusty quality, like a beautiful Sangiovese. It's a touch hot, with strong tannins, so if you have the patience to age it a bit, you will be richly rewarded. 92-94.
Black Hills 2015 Nota Bene ($59.90)
56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc
Oh my. Intoxicating aromas of violets, dark chocolate, baking spice, cassis, black plum and tobacco. Flavors include black olive, forest floor, cedar, black fruit and mocha. So incredibly approachable. I'm not going to say this is the best Nota Bene ever, it's too early for that, but it might be the best "young" one. It is truly spectacular already. 95.
So that's it for another absolutely terrific vacation in the Okanagan. Next trip comes up in late August. But lots of good stuff coming up in this blog, we have TONS of great stuff to catch you up on, including a fabulous night of German food and wine, and we are only a week or so away from a trip to Vegas where I suspect some good wine will be consumed. Stay tuned!!!
Aromas of passion fruit, lemon curd and pineapple. Those fruits hang around onto the palate, joined by some honeysuckle. It's very nice, although last year's vintage produced more pronounced pineapple flavors, and I love me some pineapple. 88.
Black Hills 2016 Rosé ($24.90)Their first ever Rosé, made from 100% Pinot Noir grapes. Aromas of strawberry, blood orange, cranberry and also features some vegetation. Raspberry and strawberry dominate the delicious, juicy palate. A terrific first effort. 90.
Black Hills 2015 Viognier ($24.90)
Beautiful aromas of white flowers, citrus, orange and papaya. Full bodied and creamy, with wonderful tropical fruit flavors. So nice. 90.
Black Hills 2015 Chardonnay ($29.90)
Pear, apple and butterscotch on the nose. Beautiful and complex flavors of toffee, butter, hazelnut and caramel. Just the right amount of butter on the finish, which adds to but does not overwhelm the fruit. 90.
Black Hills 2015 Carmenere ($35.90)Their most limited-production wine, available only to wine club members, and it rarely disappoints. Black olive, raspberry, smoke and white pepper on the nose which starts out fruity and becomes almost dusty. Dark berries and white pepper flavors on the palate, which finishes with touches of charred meats. So delicious. 93.
Black Hills 2015 Syrah ($34.90)
Your nose is almost overwhelmed with blueberry, black cherry and plums. Blueberry and blackberry flavors, with a touch of pepper, come to the palate party. Finishes with an almost dusty quality, like a beautiful Sangiovese. It's a touch hot, with strong tannins, so if you have the patience to age it a bit, you will be richly rewarded. 92-94.
Black Hills 2015 Nota Bene ($59.90)
56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc
Oh my. Intoxicating aromas of violets, dark chocolate, baking spice, cassis, black plum and tobacco. Flavors include black olive, forest floor, cedar, black fruit and mocha. So incredibly approachable. I'm not going to say this is the best Nota Bene ever, it's too early for that, but it might be the best "young" one. It is truly spectacular already. 95.
So that's it for another absolutely terrific vacation in the Okanagan. Next trip comes up in late August. But lots of good stuff coming up in this blog, we have TONS of great stuff to catch you up on, including a fabulous night of German food and wine, and we are only a week or so away from a trip to Vegas where I suspect some good wine will be consumed. Stay tuned!!!
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