Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe 2017 Oculus is one of the biggest young versions of wine I have tasted, possibly rivalling 2009. Rich and full-bodied, it is going to need some time to settle into itself. The blend in 2017 is 49/26/25 merlot, cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, fermented and aged in French oak fermenters and barrels (25 percent new) respectively. 99 percent of the fruit is from designated Oculus blocks in the MHFE Osoyoos Vineyard. Winemaker Darryl Brooker has tinkered with the formula, dropping the new oak into the 25 percent range and upping the cabernet franc count to 25 percent, and both moves seem to suit the flagship. The palate is awash in rich, savoury black fruits and substantial tannins that, while texturally fine, will need time to dissipate and let the wine blossom. Can we say more California, less Europe this year? It will require a decade of watching before seeing the whole story.Tasted: 19 September 2020Tasted by: Prices:
BC
$135.00
750ml
winery direct
Producer: Mission Hill Family EstateDistributors: Mark Anthony Wines and Spirits Blend: Merlot - Cabernet Sauvignon - Cabernet FrancCSPC: 31289UPC: 776545981486
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaTasted ahead of its pre-release in October 2020. Oculus is the merlot-dominant blend (58 percent in 2017) in Mission Hill's Legacy Collection, with 26 percent cabernet sauvignon, and 16 percent cabernet franc. I generally find Oculus to be more evolved on release than Quatrain or Compendium, maybe because of the pronounced ripeness. The fruit here is verging on baked, giving a perception of sweetness to the palate, alongside complementary dried herbs. It's a big wine, and one that should appeal widely, just give it some time to all come together.Tasted: 19 September 2020Tasted by: Prices:
BC
$135.00
750ml
winery direct
Producer: Mission Hill Family EstateDistributors: Mark Anthony Wines and Spirits Blend: Merlot - Cabernet Sauvignon - Cabernet FrancCSPC: 31289UPC: 776545981486
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