New Year; New Winemaker for Black Hills Estate Winery
Black Hills Estate Winery (Black Hills) is excited to announce its new head winemaker, Ross Wise.
Wise brings with him a breadth of expertise to the role of head winemaker at Black Hills Estate Winery. Originally from New Zealand, Wise holds a Bachelor of Viticulture and Advanced diploma in Wine Science from Charles Sturt University in Australia. He has worked with renowned producers in New Zealand and Ontario before the cool climate wine industry in British Columbia drew his attention.
After 16 years of winemaking, viticulture and consulting experience, Wise and his family settled in Oliver, British Columbia. Prior to Black Hills, Wise was head winemaker and general manager at Phantom Creek Estate. Wise holds a WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wines and Spirits and is pursuing his Master of Wine.
2012 Nota Bene Review by Liam Carrier
"Nota Bene has been a Cabernet Sauvignon-leading blend for the past 11 vintages, but, for 2012, the winery has switched back to a Merlot-driven Meritage blend, similar to the inaugural release of 1999. The latest edition sees a whopping 57% Merlot mixed with 35% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Cabernet Franc and despite the changes, the 2012 offers good typicity for the iconic brand suggesting the vineyard site is the most dominant influence over the finished wine and not the finite percentages of the main components. Whether its Cab-Merlot or Merlot-Cab, you'll get your fix of dark fruit supported by a medley of savoury characters; wild sage, tobacco and dry herbs. There are also hints of licorice, mocha and plum adding complexity. Fine tannins and French oak flavouring help structure the palate where a kick of wild berry acidity keeps the finish mouth-watering. Spice lingers through to the next sip. This is a wine more for the future than the present. It takes hours to open up today, though, with careful cellaring, in another 2 years this won't be a problem at all. Drink 2017-2022." Score 91-92/100
This wine was review January 31, 2015 by Liam Carrier
2012 Syrah Review by Natalie MacLean
"I can't believe that the alcohol level on this wine isn't higher than 13% given it's heft and mouth-filling flavour. Deft winemaking at work here. Gorgeous supple texture and mouth-feel. Full-bodied and balanced with aromas of dark fruit, mocha and cedar. Perfect for hearty meaty dishes, especially grilled pork chops." Score 93/100
This was reviewed November 22, 2014 by Natalie MacLean
"Black Hills Wine Experience Centre Tasting is Extra-Sensory at Black Hills Estate Winery"
Nota Bene, the cult wine from Black Hills Estate Winery, is an important wine. It's one that founded and proved Black Sage Bench in Oliver as a premium Okanagan terroir and ripener of the red varietals found in a Bordeaux.
"Winery hosts world’s first water ballet"
On a warm South Okanagan summer’s night, Black Hills Estate Winery, a modern oasis in the desert, converted into a Miami-style vineyard ultra lounge.
The winery was host to an incredible water ballet performed by the glamorous swimming entertainment company, Aqualillies. They displayed skill and grace as they charmed the audience with sweet sexiness and played out the classic art of synchronized swim and dance.
"A loaf of bread, a jug of wine and oh, so much more (with recipes)"
Cameron Smith and Dana Ewart didn’t plan to open a restaurant. In fact, the chef-partners were quite happy — and busy — running their company, Joy Road Catering, raising their Berkshire pigs and selling their irresistible peach galettes at the Penticton Farmers’ Market.
"Vineyard kitchen a great pairing for Black Hills Winery"
Dana Ewart looks out the door and is astounded by the view from her new shipping container kitchen overlooking Black Hills Estate Winery.
“Black Hills provides such a classy experience. They think about all the details here and it is a little outside the box from the confines of a normal restaurant. I mean look at the view it is pretty amazing,” she said.
"Joy Road Catering to open restaurant at Black Hills Winery"
Opening on June 20, 2014 at Black Hills' acclaimed Wine Experience Centre, the new Vineyard Kitchen will be operated in a partnership with Joy Road. Renowned in the Okanagan Valley for their successful catering of hundreds of world-class events and their passionate creation of “Cuisine du Terroir”, Joy Road works carefully with regional farmers and producers to ensure the freshest, in-season ingredients.
Press Releases
John Schriener on Wine. Monday, December 16, 2013
"When Black Hills opened in 2000, there were only 60 wineries in British Columbia. Not many of those were yet making great Meritage blends. As a result, Nota Bene, the Cabernet Sauvignon anchored-blend from Black Hills, caused an immediate sensation. For many years, it has been one of the hardest to get of the collector wines from the Okanagan..."
Read full article
"Jason Priestley At Black Hills Estate Winery"
Passionate winemaking with a distinctive “celebrity” vintage...
He also takes wine very seriously – more than just a celebrity endorsement in name only. Priestley is one of five partners invested in the South Okanagan’s Black Hills Estate Winery; co-host with Vancouver pal and media personality, Terry David Mulligan of a syndicated celebrity wine series, Hollywood & Vines and oenophile extraordinaire with a personal wine cellar of over 5,000 bottles.