:Nota Bene

Sort By:

:Nota Bene 2004 Syrah

Price $28

Lush, thick and chewy, with rich purple and black fruits, pepper and a finish of vanilla cream. The tannins are substantial but not intrusive; they carry a sensation of rock and graphite. Flavors extend themselves gracefully; the ripe fruit remains front and center, but it finishes with plenty of nuanced rock and spice and hints of herb. An exceptional effort. — P.G. (8/1/2007)

points

:Nota Bene 2005 Syrah

Online Exclusive

Price $30

This is the first year that Grenache has been used in the blend, and it really juices it up. Packed with fresh raspberries, set up with tart acid, this wine really piles on the red fruit/grape juice flavors. The alcohol (over 15%) is surprisingly high, but it’s not hot or jammy, because the acids really cut through. In the mouth the wine delivers a lot of spice… — P.G. (11/1/2008)

points

:Nota Bene 2007 Una Notte Red (Columbia Valley (WA))

Price $32

Sweet, sappy, almost jammy berry fruit flavors open the wine, and quickly lead into a midpalate with an unusual mix of forest mushroom, earth, cured meat and dried leaf accents. Complex and thought-provoking. — P.G. (5/1/2011)

points

:Nota Bene 2007 Syrah (Columbia Valley (WA))

Editors' Choice

Price $25

Much more accessible than the winery’s 2006 Syrah, this mixes muscle and meat, highlights from smaller component parts (Mourvèdre and Grenache) and overall clever blending. While bringing in the tart red fruit, the composted leaves, the moist loam and light funk of Washington Syrah, it also shows some pretty baking spices and a tight, precise finish. — P.G. (5/1/2011)

points

:Nota Bene 2008 Dineen Vineyard Red (Yakima Valley)

Price $35

Generously fruity, with mixed red and black berries, this Cab Franc/Cabernet Sauvignon blend is subtly layered with earthy flavors lightly hinting at barnyard and leather. Complex and focused, with soft tannins. — P.G. (12/15/2011)

points

:Nota Bene 2005 Conner Lee Vineyard Red Wine

Cellar Selection

Price $32

This is 57% Merlot and 43% Cabernet Sauvignon, and it’s just this side of voluptuous. Scented with rose petals, violets, chocolate and graphite, it offers generous cranberry and raspberry fruit, svelte and racy. Given the structure and acids, it’s got a better than even chance for a long life ahead. — P.G. (11/1/2008)

points

:Nota Bene 2003 Miscela Red

Price $26

This is the winery’s Merlot-dominated Bordeaux blend, crafted from a who’s who of excellent vineyard sources. It’s a step up from the 2002; more structured, more vertical, more confident all around. The fruit is a precision mix of blueberry, blackberry and black cherry; with oak-infused tannins that carry streaks of stone, coffee, vanilla and caramel. This is a… — P.G. (3/1/2007)

points

:Nota Bene 2004 Ciel du Cheval Vineyard Red (Red Mountain)

Price $27

The blend is 47% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 24% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot. Another fine effort from this young winery. Here is classic styling from a great vineyard source, with beautiful definition, and gorgeous, refined and sculpted fruit framed in concise, molded, firm tannins. The tart red fruit is wrapped in crisp acids and finished with tight, hard… — P.G. (8/1/2007)

Most Reviewed Designations

Abbinare Abbinare Red Wine Ciel du Cheval Vineyard Ciel du Cheval Vineyard Red Conner Lee Vineyard Conner Lee Vineyard Red Wine Miscela Miscela Red Wine Stillwater Creek Vineyard Una Notte Verhey Vineyard

Most Reviewed Varietals

Bordeaux-style Red Blend Cabernet Franc Cabernet Sauvignon Malbec Merlot Mourvèdre Red Blend Rhône-style Red Blend Syrah

2009 Va Piano

Having been given almost four years of age prior to release, this deep…

(Sponsored)