Black Hills Estate Winery always rocks with incredible wines. And now Black Hills rocks with two 2024 “Hiatus Collection” wines, sourced from the Rocks District but crafted in the Okanagan Valley — Nota Bene and Ipso Facto. The B.C. winery’s decision to use grapes from Washington-Oregon was not easy. However, two consecutive winters of extreme cold damaged many of their vineyard blocks, so Black Hills made the difficult choice to source “exceptional vineyards in Washington and Oregon” for their 2024 Hiatus Collection. “The name Hiatus captures this chapter: a pause with purpose.” Both these wines have the wow factor. And as someone who was born and raised in British Columbia, and now lives in Washington, I’m all in!

Black Hills Rocks

Black Hills is one of the most well-known wineries in British Columbia, thanks to its acclaimed flagship wine, Nota Bene. The winery is located on the famed Black Sage Bench, north of Osoyoos and south of Oliver. It’s in the middle of Canada’s only official desert, and is one of the hottest, driest, and sunniest sites in the country.

First, Nota Bene placed Black Hills on the map in our home many years ago. Now, the B.C. winery rocked our palates with two 2024 wines from one of our favorite areas, the Rocks District in the Walla Walla Valley.

“For the Hiatus Collection, we carefully selected vineyards from some of Washington and Oregon’s most renowned AVAs, each known for its unique terroir and exceptional grape quality. Sourcing from Yakima Valley, Horse Heaven Hills, Walla Walla Valley, and the Chehalem Mountains were chosen for their ideal growing conditions and distinctive flavour profiles. This thoughtful selection allows us to craft wines that are a similar expression to the wines we make on the Black Sage Bench.”

Black Hills is committed to sustainable, environmentally friendly farming and winemaking practices. As a result, the B.C. Environmental Farm plan awarded the estate winery Environmental Farm Plan Status.

Black Hills Rocks Wine

2024 Nota Bene ($70 CAD)

We’ve been drinking Nota Bene since its initial vintage in 1999, featuring a hallmark depth and complexity. The 2024 vintage blends 43% Merlot, 34% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 23% Cabernet Franc from the Rocks District AVA. (Specifically, Anna Marie East, Anna Marie North, Hallowed Stone, and Dugger Creek.) What a head turner, which continues the quality of previous vintages. Sure, the personality is different, with savory characteristics of crushed stone, umami, and earthiness unique to the Rocks District. However, this powerful blend rocks the palate, with structure and aging potential. If you open it now, be sure to give it a good decant. Better yet, put it away for at least five years. In the words of Black Hills, “What lingers is not just flavour but a sense of place: Walla Walla in its breadth and nuance, interpreted through its making in the Okanagan Valley.”

2024 Ipso Facto ($60 CAD)

What a beauty. This wine sings. The 2024 Ipso Facto harmonizes Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah from The Rocks District’s Anna Marie East and Hallowed Stone vineyards. First, the Cab Sauv brings layers of dark fruit and freshness. Next, the Syrah adds depth, savory notes of smoked meat, olive tapenade, black pepper, subtle funk, and an edge of stony minerality, distinct to the region. Enjoy it now with decanting or cellar for 3–5 years to further enhance its complexity and integration. We loved it, and will soon visit BC for more bottles for aging. (Thankfully we live just four miles from the border.)

An Additional Note about the Rocks District

We’ve visited both Dugger Creek and Anna Marie Vineyards with owner Rich Funk, who is also the co-founder of Saviah Cellars. So, we know from experience that the wines from their fruit are typically elegant, earthy, seductive, and silky.

Summary

In conclusion, Black Hills’ impressive winemaking paired with grapes sourced from the Rocks District results in two show-stopping 2024 wines, Nota Bene and Ipso Facto. Thank you, Black Hills, for the media samples.

We visited the winery in 2022, and we’re looking forward to returning for another excellent experience, and recommend you do the same. You’ll find outstanding wine, a beautiful tasting room with panoramic views of the valley, and warm hospitality.

Meanwhile, find us here at Write for Wine and on Instagram, Threads, and Facebook.

Cheers!
Margot and Dave