Appearance: deep purple to black, clear rim.
Nose: initial green aromas, probably from the Cabernet Franc here rather than from unripeness. Later complex black fruits and high-quality, integrated oak. Savoury.
Palate: beautiful fruit, good, firm but not astringent medium tannins, excellent acidity, good length and approachable now, although will benefit from further ageing.
Conclusion: This wine is 45% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot and is Mission Hill’s top red. The green notes from the Cabernet Franc settled down after opening and this revealed itself as a sophisticated beast. Each grape variety sings through here (although the 5% Petit Verdot is not really something one could detect without considerable experience of that grape, if then). We'll be blogging on a whole range of Okanagan producers on this site. Mission Hill is the largest producer, but some of the best wines come from Burrowing Owl and Cedar Creek, among others. The Oculus is a fine thing, however. Buy whilst it's still affordable!
Rating: 18.5/20Labels: 2001, Bordeaux-blend, Canada, Mission Hill, Oculus, Okanagan Valley, red
posted by Wine Dragon
at
13:58
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