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Question: I am a long time collector of the Nota Bene red wine from Black Hills in the South Okanagan, British Columbia. What are your thoughts on the 2024 vintage that is about to be released?
Answer: A most topical question. Yes quite a social media buzz is developing regarding the Black Hills Estate Winery’s flagship Nota Bene 2024 vintage release to Wine Club members next month. It usually comes from choice grapes from the Black Sage Bench of the southern Okanagan. Like many Okanagan wineries the devastating freeze between January 11 and 15 wiped out the 2024 vintage for many locally grown grapes. Imported replacements have been common. For this one-off named Hiatus Collection, Black Hills used grapes from the Walla Walla Valley, located on the border of Washington and Oregon. A well written explanation by the winemaker Ryan McKibbon is attached for this unique blend of 43/34/23 Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc at 14% ABV. Your scribe has tasted the 2024 and it remarkably follows the style of previous Nota Bene vintages that usually featured attractive, juicy yet structured balanced blackberry fruit with desert sage notes. However the 2024 seems riper, sturdy, and concentrated, yet softer approachable tannins with spicy plum, cassis, and black tea.
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