The proprietary name Nota Bene may actually be more well-known than its maker and has long been the flagship wine of Black Hills. Each vintage, the blend changes to reflect what's been happening in the vineyard. This year it is 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc.
It is a powerful wine offering roasted herbs, grilled peppers, dry earth, bittersweet cocoa and roasted coffee beans with smoked spice and toasted oak layered with plums and black currents. The palate is equally savoury - grilled peppers wrestle with dried herbs, toasted spice, cocoa and pepper and black fruit. It has excellent structure and balance with a long concentrated finish.
©copyright 2013 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - December 6th, 2013