Trailblazer's of the Okanagan : Part 4 Mission Hill Family Estate

Mission Hill Estate Winery

Wine Maker: Darryl Brooker

Photo Credit: Michael Mcduff

As one of the most important and successful wineries in the country, Mission Hill is a family owned winery producing some of the best wines that the Okanagan Valley has to offer for the last thirty years.   Having quite a large portfolio, their wines ranges from their more affordable 5 Vineyard Series all the way up to the most luxurious products with very limited production, the Legacy collection.

For the purpose of the event, I had the opportunity to taste through their Legacy Collection. 

Chardonnay Perpetua 2015

IP  $50.00

This beautiful Chardonnay is coming from three different blocks in their Osoyoos estate.  A small portion of the wine was fermented in new French oak, and aged on lees for 9 months, with gentle stirring taking place every couple of weeks.  26 barrels produced. 

A lovely cool climate chardonnay offering grapefruit, candied lemon, and pineapple.  The pear and ripe apple comes through midway on the palate with an equally attractive hit of acidity.  The finish is quite good, and this is where the cream and bits of brichoe notes appear, along with a slight touch of steely minerality.  Drink now or in the next 5-6 years. 

Quatrain 2012

IP $72.00

This is a blend of Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon and coming from two estates: Osoyoos (90%) and Oliver (10%).  The wine was fermented in French oak, with a further 15 month aging in oak barrels.  Only 88 barrles produced. 

Cassis, plums, blackberries, and dark cherries are showing beautifully in this blend, the sweet spice, dark chocolate and tobacco add a bit of complexity and elegance.  The palate is soft and supple with silky tannins and refreshing acidity.  The length is long and elegant with plenty of intense and juicy fruit.  Drink now or in the next 6-7 years. 

Compendium 2012

IP: 13539507  $82.00

Only the best fruit was selected here, coming from their Osoyoos (90%), and Oliver  (10%) estate.  Here, the vines struggle and dig deep to find nutrients creating complex and intense fruit.  The wine was aged 15 months in French oak, with only 97 barrels produced. 

This is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. 

This wine is still holding on to a lot of primary fruit like cherries, blackberries and plum but also interwoven with some  earth, tobacco, dark chocolate and coffee. A complex wine, each flavor revels themselves in layers, bit by bit.  There is plenty of plush fruit which if offset with a fresh acidity and ripe tannins.   Nice balance and long length, incredibly delicious wine. Drink now or in the next 6-8 years. 

Oculus 2013

IP: 13539494  $142.00

This is a Bordeaux blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, all coming from the Oculus block in Osoyoos.  Grapes are hand sorted and gravity filled into French Oak fermenters, then filled into small French oak barrels for 14 months aging.  The wine is then bottled aged for a further 15 months prior to release.  Only 79 barrels produced.   

This elegant wine gives notes of plenty of bramble fruit with subtle notes of cassis, tobacco and earth.  The acidity is giving a lot of freshness in this broad wine. The raspy tannins are medium grained and provides some texture and structure.  There is a very good integration of oak, playing more of a back role as the elegant fruit is playing a more dominant role here.  Persistent and charming finish. Drink now or in the next 5-6 years. 

Bottle Shots: Mission Hill Family Estate

**A very special thank you to Mark Anthony Wine and Spirits Quebec, and all the winemakers  : Darryl Brooker, Shayne Munn, Philip McGahan, and Taylor Whelan for this incredible tasting.