Black Hills Nota Bene is one of Canada’s most celebrated flagship Bordeaux-style red blends, widely recognized as an iconic cult wine since its debut vintage in 1999. Crafted by Black Hills Estate Winery on the famed Black Sage Bench of British Columbia's Okanagan Valley, this classic blend unites Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc. Hand-harvested, fermented with wild yeasts, and matured for 18 months in French oak barriques and puncheons (44% new oak), it delivers an extraordinary balance of lush dark fruit, savoury desert-herb nuance, and polished structural depth.
🌟 Why You’ll Love It
Iconic Canadian Cult Status: A benchmark Bordeaux-style blend revered by collectors and sommeliers across North America for over two decades.
Artisanal French Oak Aging: Aged for 18 months in 100% French oak (with 44% new barrels) to weave subtle baking spices and silky texture into the concentrated fruit core.
Cellar-Worthy Pedigree: Built with vibrant natural acidity and fine-grained tannins, offering immediate pleasure when decanted or 15+ years of graceful cellar evolution.
🍷 Tasting Notes
Nose: Rich, expressive, and deeply layered, opening with black cherry, cassis, and ripe plum alongside signature notes of wild sage, mocha, and warm oak spice.
Palate: Full-bodied and velvety, flooding the palate with dark berries, dark chocolate, and savoury herbal undertones supported by dense, polished tannins.
Finish: Long, structured, and lingering, tapering off with dusty minerality, toasted spice, and vibrant acidity.
📊 Product Details
Winery: Black Hills Estate Winery
Origin: Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada (Note: 2024 Hiatus Collection sourced from Walla Walla Valley / The Rocks District)
Volume: 750ml
Alcohol by Volume (ABV): ~13.7% – 14.5% (Varies slightly by vintage)
Wine Type: Still Red Wine
Grape Varietals: Bordeaux-Style Red Blend (Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, with occasional trace Petit Verdot)
Food Pairings: Pairs effortlessly with dry-aged ribeye steak, braised beef short ribs, herb-crusted rack of lamb, wild duck, or aged B.C. cheddar.