It was party time at Black Hills Estate Winery. On Saturday, June 20, 300 guests celebrated the 15th annual Nota Bene release with fine wine, splendid cuisine created by Joy Road Catering and star-struck entertainment at the South Okanagan’s preeminent wine and celebrity happening. The show included a dazzling fashion show with wine-inspired fashion designs by fashion designer Kerri Younie.
All the fun is a backdrop for a more serious cause – Breast Cancer Research. “We raised $19,800 for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation,” said Glenn Fawcett, the President of Black Hills Estate Winery. “They were tickled pink at the great success of the event.” An auction presided over by Fawcett comprised rare bottles of Nota Bene autographed by Black Hills investor Jason Priestly and Steven Page, co-founder of the Bare-Naked Ladies, who performed live at the wingding.
Winemaker Graham Pierce poured 2013 Nota Bene, the 15th vintage of one of the Okanagan’s most sought after red wines. A classic blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc from the Double Black and Sharp Rock vineyards, it exhibits elegant, richly-concentrated flavours of cassis, raspberry and plum fruit, with nuances of truffle, tobacco and dark chocolate, and finely-textured tannins. My advice is to put it in the cellar for at least 3 years; it is a bit too young at this point. As is the case for 2013 Per Se Cabernet Franc Syrah, an awesome red which cries for a hunk of meat such as suckling pig. Lucky for wine club members who have exclusive dibs on Per Se.
