Thoroughbred, seamless, distinct.
Distinct and succulent, the most recent chronicle of Black Hill's thoroughbred, aptly named Nota Bene, is a reflection of an outstanding vintage.
Immediately plummy on the nose, yet it quickly morphs into an eddy of mocha, sagebrush, wild black berries and tealeaf with graphite, saddle leather and brown spices. Juicy and simultaneously powerful, the palate is dense like a liqueur, and woven so seamlessly each flavour simply ebbs into the next. Ripe, supple and chocolaty in the mouth, it boasts polished tannins and a long and muscular finish.
Drinking surprisingly well now, but time is on its side.
56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc.
©copyright 2017 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - June 29th, 2017

Iconic, lifted-age-worthy.
At 20 years, Black Hill's Nota Bene is as influential as ever.
The 2018 vintage marks two decades since this iconic wine's creation, and while it remains consistently commanding, each vintage varies.
This year's version (49% Cabernet Sauvignon, 41% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot) has a lifted and perfumed nose of black currents, plums, cherry and vanilla, dried violets, cedar chips, mocha, graphite and sagebrush. The attack is silky and grows more fleshy across the mid-palate and the finish is elongated. Sweet and savoury, toasted and intense, it offers flavours of wild berries, savoury spices, vanillin oak and licorice. Still youthful with traces of angularity, it will undoubtedly benefit from time in your cellar.
Bravo to new winemaker Ross Wise MW, for a seamless transition.
©copyright 2020 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - May 21st, 2020

Complex, seamless, opulent. There's a reoccurring theme with Nota Bene--high expectations are met with high scores. Again this vintage, it's showing exceptionally well from the get-go; it's so smooth and deliciously distinguished right now, one wonders why you would want to cellar it at all.
The 2017 (45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 41% Merlot and 14% Cabernet Franc) doles out plush notes of cassis, mocha, fresh mint, star anise, tea leaf and cola spice aromas. It is a complete wine, supple in texture and leaden with fleshy fruit, chocolate, espresso and vanilla flavours. Fully woven, it is once again a stylish wine with opulent heft, but it is also wonderfully balanced, which is why it's so darn easy to drink.
©copyright 2019 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - October 18th, 2019

Luminous, seamless, distinct. Vine age, paired with a couple decades of blending, become increasingly apparent in each consecutive vintage of Nota Bene. Black Hills continues to perfect its trademark stylish icon; one that blurs the line between Old and New World.
The 2016 appears fresher than the 2015, it is both harmonious and complex; a weave of blackcurrants and plums, and wild herbs with notable sage aromas, peppery spices, mocha, pencil shavings and tobacco. A supple palate boasts integrated tannins and a silky texture--its flavours reflective of the nose. Luminous and seamless, it boasts a persistent finish, one which is long and chocolaty.
©copyright 2018 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 9th, 2018

Addendum is another new addition to the Black Hills portfolio; a blend of Merlot 80%, 10% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from four vineyards. It was aged for 12 months in French oak barrels (35% new).
It has distinct umami notes: muddled blackberry, green herbs, smoked meat, plum compote, cocoa and leather. The palate is equally muddy: salt and cocoa, peppery spices and black fruit flavours lead to a smooth finish. Seems lacking in freshness and needs focus--a confusing wine.
For sale to club members only price not available.
©copyright 2019 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - June 2nd, 2019