July 6, 2021 - Lovely and still in great shape after 8 years (I was a bit worried). 2013 is one of my favourite vintage for this Syrah. Meaty, leathery aromas mixed with black pepper...blind, I would have ended up in Northern Rhone in Cornas. The tannins are still present, but still providing a nice polished structure and a refreshing acidity. Balanced with a long finish. Great QPR. Enjoy now or hold for another 2-3 years without any problem.
July 3, 2021 - Had fully blind with a 13 Shafer Relentless and a 13 L'Ecole Syrah.
Very bright and lively wine - medium bodied - we thought it was a Carmenere, we got lost in Chile and never thought BC. The nose had an earthiness to it that also reminded us of Cabernet Franc's - but it definitely did not taste Cab Franc. It was refreshing, very drinkable and the type of wine you would enjoy multiple glasses of - whereas the Relentless was a stop at one glass, or have a big headache the next morning type of wine.
The BH Syrah was comparatively very green next to the Relentless and L'Ecole. The L'Ecole had a mild nose, but was packed with alcohol that took way too long to dissipate, and never fully did throughout the night. The Relentless had more barnyard and softer nose, and syrupy mouthfeel. We all picked the Relentless as our favourite - but it has egregiously low QPR and was comparatively not that much better than either the BH or L'Ecole.
May 30, 2021 - Opened beautifully over an hour or so. Cherries smoke and sage tones. Smooth tannins. Delightful finish with peppery touch. Lovely wine, my last of this vintage.
April 1, 2021 - In its drinking window. Medium to full bodied, mellow tannins, rich flavour - a delightful Syrah. Makes me wonder what they did differently to their 2017 vintage which I find tough to drink. The 2013 Nota Bene is also one of my favourites so maybe 2013 was just a special vintage.
November 26, 2020 - Gorgeous colour. Nose of cedar, anise, tobacco leaf, blueberry compote, black fruits, salami.
Harmonious balance of acidity and tannin, huge peppery finish.
I opened this and drank half on a Thursday night and finished the rest on Saturday and it was massive. I'd recommend opening this the day before you plan to drink it. It'll be rewarding. In my top ten BC wines.
September 19, 2020 - Still drinking well lovely
May 14, 2020 - Age has treated this wine extraordinarily well. The fruit has come together nicely, very rich and, just delicious. Patience has paid off. Enjoy if you have any left!
April 20, 2020 - very smooth on the entry and great smooth finish; very good
November 30, 2019 - Working through a case of this and it never disappoints. PNP no prob and wonderful the next day
November 24, 2019 - Drinking well