Tasting Note This has become one of the most recognized and collected Bordeaux blends in Canada, thanks to a long history, ample production and distribution, and a certain roundness and richness thanks to its origin in the sandy soils of the Black Sage Bench (which is not yet a VQA sub-appellation). The hot 2022 vintage is piling on to this ambiance as well. It is frankly delicious and quite easy to drink now. But it is not simple. Expect ripe red berry/cherry jam fruit, lots of savoury sage and spice from ageing 18 months in 47% new French oak barrels. It is very fragrant. It is full bodied, fairly soft and warm (14.5%) but possessing good acidity and fine tannin. The length is excellent. It is approachable now but should please into the early 2030s. Tasted October 2025.
Backgrounder Black Hills is a pioneering winery in the South Okanagan, with vineyards planted to Bordeaux varieties in 1996 by Senka and Bob Tennant. They made the first vintage of Nota Bene in 1999 from very young vine fruit, and operated the winery until 2017 when it was purchased by Andrew Peller Ltd., which updated facilities and, in my view, quality as well. They also moved to organic viticulture and hired very talented winemaker Ross Wise MW, who has recently handed the reins to former assistant Ryan McGibbon (shown below). The proportions in Nota Bene change year to year but merlot usually takes the lead. This is merlot (46%), cab franc (36%) and cab sauvignon (18%). In 2024, the January winter freeze essentially wiped out the old vines, with replanting quickly done in 2024 and 2025. A 25th Anniversary set of three Nota Bene vintages — two bottles each of 2021, 2022 and 2023 — is still offered through winealign.com at $399.00.
Accolade: Gold Medal National Wine Awards of Canada 2025.
