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Anthony Gismondi on Wine
Mission Hill Family Estate Oculustext
94POINTS
17½/20

Mission Hill Family Estate Oculus 2013

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$135.00750mlwinery direct
Producer: Mission Hill Family EstateDistributors: Mark Anthony Wines and Spirits
Blend: Merlot - Cabernet Sauvignon - Cabernet Franc - Petit VerdotCSPC: 31289UPC: 776545981486