Traditionally, it’s one of the hottest tickets of the year. The Black Hills Nota Bene Release Party is like nothing else in the Okanagan, with no shortage of Canadian star power and an abundance of live music, amazing food and, of course, plenty of wine. It’s also a vital part of the winery’s program to launch the annual release of one of BC’s iconic red blends. But, no surprise, this year’s gala has had to make a few changes. Thanks to Covid-19, everything will now happen online.

The price of admission is simple…

Place your order for 12 bottles of 2018 Nota Bene by June 30th and you’ll get an exclusive invitation to attend the 20th Anniversary Nota Bene Virtual Release Party on July 17th. Your access code will allow you to hang out online with the likes of Steven Page, Jason Priestley, Erin Cebula and others.

Along with your invite you’ll also receive a voucher for a complimentary VIP Cabana tasting for up to four people at Black Hills Wine Experience Centre (value $200). Order 24 bottles and your name goes into a draw for one of seven different vacations at Black Hills’ exclusive and luxurious wine lodge, complete with barbecue, patios and swimming pool with sweeping valley views (worth $1650).

Updated… The 2018 is proving to be a hot item, selling out in just days—so the winery has released early its Nota Bene 2018 large formats (1.5L magnums and 3L bottles). Order any size of 2018 Nota Bene by the end of day July 14th and you can gain entrance to the virtual release party and now after-party. 

2018 Nota Bene buyers can also keep the fun going by browsing through 10 online rooms at the official online after-party. Rooms include a live performance from country singer Julianna Laine, a DJ set from Chole Morgan, an on-the-crush-pad networking session, Q & A session with winemaker Ross Wise, and more fun options.  
 
Nota Bene magnums (1.5l) are $199, or 3L bottles ($379). Each large format wine is a unique gift that comes autographed by winemaker Ross Wise MW. 
Call the winery at  (250) 498-0666  or order online at blackhillswinery.com.

 

Ross Wyse MW. MC.

Ross Wise Black Hills winemaker

Ross Wise, MW. Black Hills winemaker

The other—and arguably most important—guest is Black Hills winemaker Ross Wyse, who recently became a Master of Wine, one of only seven in Canada.

This year marks 20 years since the inaugural release of Nota Bene (the 1998, made by Senka Tennant). The 2018 is Ross’s first Nota Bene. No pressure there!

Ross will be kicking everything off with an online tutored tasting of the wine.

From the release: “Wise saw opportunities for subtle adjustments that could enhance the wine’s richness and complexity. One of those small adjustments was the addition of 1% Petit Verdot, contributing an interesting element to the colour and the mouthfeel of the wine. The winery team believes that subtle changes like this, combined with Wise’s exacting winemaking practices, result in one of the best Nota Bene vintages yet.”

Questions? Contact Black Hills chief wine evangelist Glenn Fawcett.

Black Hills Nota Bene 2018 (VQA Okanagan Valley)

What’s in the 20th anniversary bottle? An already very approachable blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (49%), Merlot (41%), Cabernet Franc (9%) and Petit Verdot (1%). Up front, vibrant red and black berry fruits with some oak and vanilla hints lead to a plush and juicy medium bodied palate of mulberry and blackberry, wrapped in supple tannins with a slight edge, herb and spice notes in the background through the lingering finish. Should evolve well, up to 10 years, suggests the winery. 91 pts

Order & Shipping information:

Purchase in increments of 6 or 12 bottle cases, include with other Black Hills wines. Free shipping across Canada. Note: party invitation applies only to Nota Bene 12-bottle purchase or more.

Direct link to order page.

More info or other options. Phone 250-498-0666 or email info@blackhillswinery.com.

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