Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis my second look at Oculus 16, months down the track, and it's staying the course although tasted alongside the 2014, it looks a touch less polished. It’s still a big wine with tannins to be subdued, but it has a long future and as I found last year, it's balanced from start to finish. The oak is well managed, the nose is beautiful with savoury, black fruit. Ripe enough but not overripe with just a hint of sticky tannins poking through the cedary back end that will need some time to melt away. Stay the course and leave it be for another three to five years. Power and finesse can be beguiling.Tasted: 22 August 2018Tasted by: Prices:
BC
$135.00
750ml
winery direct
Producer: Mission Hill Family EstateDistributors: Mark Anthony Wines and Spirits Blend: Merlot - Cabernet Sauvignon - Cabernet Franc - Petit VerdotCSPC: 31289UPC: 776545981486
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaI couldn’t wait to have a first look at the 2013 Oculus, a vintage that has proven a winner for south Okanagan reds. The year got off to an early start and it was late to finish. What looked like the shortest vintage in the year was arrested by a cool, rainy June but it was all brought back into focus with above average heat in July and August. Then just when you thought it was too hot, the warmest vintage since 2003 cooled off just in time for harvest. Heavy September rains delayed the finish, leaving the best sites the longest picking season ever. Oculus 2013 is magic. It’s the first time this wine has offered real balance from start to finish. The oak has finally disappeared into the background and the terroir is poking through. The fruit is beautiful with savoury, black fruit tones, but edgy – just ripe enough but not overripe, and the weight begets the finesse in this wine, allowing tannins to shine through the finish. This is the best Oculus yet and it may get better.Tasted: 13 April 2017Tasted by: Prices:
BC
$135.00
750ml
winery direct
Producer: Mission Hill Family EstateDistributors: Mark Anthony Wines and Spirits Blend: Merlot - Cabernet Sauvignon - Cabernet Franc - Petit VerdotCSPC: 31289UPC: 776545981486
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