MEMORY FAILS ME AGAIN
I’ve written about our trip to BC before; as you may know, we had a fantastic time, particularly in the Okanagan Valley. One of the highlights of that trip in 2004 was definitely our visit to Mission Hill.
It was there we decided we wanted to get married at a winery. Mission Hill was incredible. If you’ve ever been, you’ll know what I’m talking about. The view—to die for!
When we got back to Ontario, we looked around but could not find one that suited our particular needs (325 guests was our biggest obstacle as was fall weather). We found a few places that would have worked, but with that many people – we couldn’t make it work. Nevertheless, we got married someplace else and this year will make it 8 years!
Anyway, back at Mission Hill we tasted a lot of wine and enjoyed a lot of wine, but there was one that particularly stood out. That was the Oculus. Now, here is where things get sketchy. I know for sure we brought one back, maybe two. Next, we’re not sure what year the bottle was.
We drank this a few years ago, and it STILL stands out in my memory. History may have elevated it a bit, but there is no question in my mind that it was an outstanding bottle.
And by all accounts, every vintage since has been highly acclaimed. What’s unusual about the Oculus is that they produce so much of it. Most “higher quality” wines are produced in smaller lots.
In 2004 we paid somewhere in $40 – $50 range, but now it sells for as much as $80. I haven’t seen one at Vintages in a while, and they don’t even have a product number for it on file.
Now, here again, it gets foggy. I can’t confirm whether we had the 2001 or the 2002. There are discrepancies between the two years like the percentage amount of merlot and cabernet sauvignon and time spent in the barrel.
That said, no matter what year/vintage it was, it was outstanding, and if I ever see one again out here, I’m going to buy it.
Like I said above, it retails around $75 depending on where you are.
It’s definitely a special occasion wine. Please review current tasting notes and what other people say about it, but I have no question in my mind that you will enjoy it.
I’d love to hear if anyone has tried it and what year the bottle was!
4+ Stars
Grape Stains by Jimmy 