The Non-Vintage Black Noble is made of fortified Botrytis Semillon in a solera system averaging 8 years of age. Amber brown, the wine has a splendid nose of figs, dates, toffee, and assorted candied fruits. Rich and full on the palate, the wine retains good acidity and a long finish. Drink it with strong cheeses or chocolate desserts.De Bortoli owns estate vineyards in Riverina, Hunter Valley, and Yarra Valley and produces several tiers of dry table wines in addition to their sweet and fortified dessert wines.Importer: De Bortoli Wines, North America; www.debortoli.com.auAlso tasted: 2007 Sauvignon Blanc- Semillon Windy Peak (75), 2007 Viognier Windy Peak (80), 2006 Pinot Noir Vat 10 (78), 2007 Pinot Noir Windy Peak (72), 2006 Pinot Noir Estate Grown (82?), 2006 Shiraz, McLaren Vale

A unique dessert wine made from botrytized Semillon that’s then fortified and aged for an average of eight years in barrel, this is a dark, coffee-brown wine, with a hint of green to its rim. Aromas are slightly nutty and molasses-like, with raisiny, almost Muscat-like flavors. Full-bodied and rich, it finishes long and sticky. ——J.C.(12/15/2008)—— 90