2017 Black Hills Estate Nota Bene

Red Bordeaux Blend

Canoehead Likes this wine: 93 points

April 14, 2021 - As a rule, I typically don’t open a Nota Bene until at least 5 years after vintage. They seem to need the time to integrate, smooth out the sharp corners. However, after KillerJones’ recent TN we had to open one. KJ nailed it, it’s deliriously good. It’s the right mix of fruit-forward meets rustic. The savoury depth beneath the dark red & blue fruits is remarkable. Great length. I don’t know if this is going to necessarily improve much 4-5 years out but our remaining stash will probably be depleted way before then. I’m looking for more!

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Dover drunk commented:

2/11/22, 10:49 PM - How long did you decante this?
Canoehead commented:

2/12/22, 12:14 AM - I can’t recall decant time for this wine but typically we decant for a min 30 mins and this was probably so aromatic we sampled and then filled our goblets! It was pretty good. I’m finding many Okanagan 2017 flagship Meritage are drinking well. Red Icon & Portfolio have also impressed.
Dover drunk commented:

2/12/22, 9:43 AM - What do you know about SummerHill and there 2016 Syrah ?
I have had some good wine from there like the 2013 merlot
Canoehead commented:

2/12/22, 1:38 PM - Summer hill has always been hit & miss with me. The last Spadefoot Syrahs we had (2013) were a little too heavy on the barnyard Brett for our palates. I haven’t had the 2016. I find their Merlot fruit is typically always good quality. And I do rely on the Cipes Brut for at-the-ready bubbly for any occasion. Usually always one bottle of that chilling. My favourite BC Syrahs are Painted Rock and Vanessa. In most vintages Laughing Stock and Black Hills are very good but the latter seems to have changed something in the vinification cause it’s not peppery, berry compote nose I used to love. Let me know if you try the 2016 Spadefoot.