One of the Okanagan’s cult red wines, Nota Bene will likely be sold out within a week of its April 14  release. The new owners of Black Hills have raised the price $7 a bottle from last year and that may slow the buying frenzy. Don’t count on it.

This is one of the best Nota Bene wines that winemaker Senka Tennant has made so far. The good news is that, even under new owners, she made the 2007 and will have a hand in producing the 2008 Nota Bene.

Dark in colour, the wine begins with aromas of cedar, red berries and olives. On the palate, there are flavours of red currants, plum and chocolate delivering a dollop of sweet fruit that makes a great first impression. The wine is full bodied with long ripe tannins. It is drinking well now but will just keep getting better in the bottle over the next five years. 90