2006 Oculus
Oculus is Mission Hill Family Estate’s signature Bordeaux inspired wine. This elegant and complex wine represents the pinnacle of everything we do from viticulture to winemaking. Selected clusters from designated blocks within our estates in Oliver and Osoyoos are set aside for this wine. The grapes are hand harvested and hand sorted prior to gently breaking the skins; they are then gravity filled to small French oak fermenters. After 5 weeks extended maceration the free run wine and a small portion of lightly basket pressed wine is aged separately in 100% French oak barrels for 14.5 months.
Wine Specs
| Vintage | 2006 |
| Varietal | Blend |
| Appellation | Okanagan |
| Harvest Date | Mid September thru October 21st, 2006 |
| Acid | 5.4 g/l |
| Aging | 14.5 months |
| Fermentation | 100% French |
| Alcohol % | 14.0 |
Wine Profile
Production Notes
Bud burst occurred several days ahead of normal, with less rain than usual. The weather turned cool and wet in June resulting in very small fruit set and limited yields but allowing for more concentrated flavours. Temperatures from summer through fall were about long-term average but cooler than the past two years in the Okanagan. To maximize flavour potential, we opened canopies where necessary exposing grapes to more sunlight and allowing fruit flavours and tannins to ripen fully. Harvest began in mid-September and finished within the first week of November.
Production
51% Merlot, 26% Cabernet Sauvingon, 15% Cabernet Franc and 8% Petit Verdot.