A terrific blend of Sauvignon Blanc with 25% Semillon, the Alibi launches into tropical fruit and citric notes - melon and tangerine peel, vanilla and grass clippings with a mineral core. On the palate it doesn't fall short either, presenting a creamy texture and mouth-watering acidity that boosts flavours of tropical fruit, herbs and citrus. The finish is crisp and lingers with flavours of vanilla and peach.
Delicious!
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Diva reviewed - June 17th, 2010

It's coy label may belie what seriousness is housed inside...
The Alibi is a 80/20 blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon that has followed in big brother Nota Bene's iconic footsteps. Primary aromas of guava, nectarine and melon with floral accents and undertones of herbs, cut grass and minerals. The palate shows a different side, hints of caramel and toast, spice and citrus zest...very good intensity and a substantial, mouth-watering finish.
©copyright 2009 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Diva reviewed - June 25th, 2009

A small lots production (less than 150 cases) the Black Hills Carmenere has very good typicity if you were to compare it to one from, say Chile...
The first whiff is undoubtably pepper, pepper, pepper followed by intense red fruits, and savoury undertones of smoke, roasted green bell pepper with meaty/gamey hints. The palate is very focused and it has a supple texture. The flavours are similar to the aromas - red fruits, roasted peppers and loads of spice with plenty of savoury undertones followed by a lengthy finish.
A wine made for grilled vegetables and roasted meat dishes.
©copyright 2009 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Diva reviewed - June 22nd, 2009

A stunning Chardonnay that flaunts aromas of sweet tropical fruits and honey, exotic citrus and buttery caramel. The palate is smooth, but not weighted from poor use of oak, it's extremely fresh with vibrant citrus and nectarine and nutty praline flavours. A crisp finish lingers with clove spice...
Very elegant!
©copyright 2009 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Diva reviewed - June 18th, 2009

This British Columbia Chardonnay presents very appealing aromas of apple crumble, melon and ripe pear with praline, warm toasty spice and a hint of white pepper. There is plenty of citrus on the palate alongside melon and exotic spice flavours. It is smooth and creamy with lively citrus on the entry but the mid-palate softens before ramping back up into a long vanilla, caramel and spiced finish.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Diva reviewed - July 5th, 2010

As one of British Columbia's premium icon wines, Nota Bene has virtually become more famous than it's maker, Black Hills. There is little doubt this wine deserves praise for its power and concentration, but also for its consistency.
Made from similar quantities of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with 11% Cabernet Franc, the 2008 reflects its Cabernet base with potent cassis and green olive aromas layered with spicebox, dark plums and tobacco leaf. The palate is supple with lush black fruit, mocha and plenty of spice. It is nicely balanced and smooth across the finish.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Diva reviewed - August 20th, 2010

This vintage, a blend of 46% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc comprises the iconic Nota Bene...
At nearly 15% alcohol it's a big boy with plenty of extraction...
Aromas of black currents and wild blueberries, chocolate cherries, vanilla and toffee with lots of black pepper. Intense on the palate with ripe dark fruit, pepper, coffee liqueur and vanillin oak flavours. Excellent structure and power with ripe tannins and a substantial finish.
Young, but drinkable now, or give it to dad for a father's day cellar keeper.
©copyright 2009 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Diva reviewed - June 18th, 2009