Black Hills Estate Winery Hiatus Collection 'Ipso Facto' 2024

This intriguing small-lot red wine originates from Canada, crafted in the prestigious Black Sage Bench sub-appellation of the South Okanagan Valley in British Columbia. Founded in 1996, Black Hills Estate Winery is renowned as a benchmark producer of classic Bordeaux-style blends, famously led by their iconic flagship red, Nota Bene. The "Hiatus Collection" represents an experimental line of limited-production wines where the winemaking team steps outside traditional estate boundaries to explore creative cellaring techniques and unique varietal co-ferments. Ipso Facto (meaning "by the fact itself") was created to showcase an unconventional, harmony-driven blend that challenges conventional regional rules while remaining rooted in the warm, desert-like microclimate of Oliver and Osoyoos.

Wine Description

In the glass, the 2024 Ipso Facto presents a dark ruby-garnet color with vibrant purple highlights near the rim. The nose opens with an expressive, aromatic bouquet of dark plum, ripe black cherry, and cassis, interwoven with notes of crushed sage, sweet tobacco, cocoa powder, and subtle baking spices from French oak aging. On the palate, the wine is medium-to-full-bodied, showing a lush, supple entry balanced by fine-grained tannins and a streak of fresh Okanagan natural acidity. Flavors of dark mountain berries, black olive, and subtle espresso grounds lead into a smooth, savory, and well-rounded finish. Blended primarily from Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon (with small proportions of Merlot or Cabernet Franc depending on lot selection), the hand-harvested grapes undergo careful small-batch fermentation before aging in French oak barrels (combining neutral and second-use wood to preserve pure fruit character). The alcohol by volume sits at 14.2%.

Food Pairing

The supple fruit depth, savory herbal notes, and polished structure of this South Okanagan red blend make it a versatile pairing for hearty, flavorful cuisine. It pairs exceptionally well with grilled ribeye steak, roasted rack of lamb with herbs de Provence, duck breast with a plum reduction, and slow-braised beef short ribs. It also harmonizes beautifully with wild mushroom risotto, grilled venison, and aged hard cheeses such as sharp Cheddar, Gouda, or Gruyère.