Quercus Vino

Ottawa, ON

June 2024

Matt’s review: Mission Hill’s Quatrain brings together four popular varietals from the south of the Okanagan in Osoyoos and along the Black Sage Bench to produce an Okanagan version of a Bordeaux blend but with Syrah playing the lead role. Syrah from the Black Sage Bench and the far south in Osoyoos East are some of the best you’ll taste anywhere. The Okanagan’s desert-like conditions in the far south, with their warm days and cooler evenings allow these big red varietals to ripen whilst preserving their freshness, creating a unique terroir for these varietals that in my opinion produces the best expressions available anywhere across Canada. The eastern side of the valley gets considerably more daylight than the west does, this further enhancing the characteristics of the grapes ensuring full phenolic ripeness and avoiding any harsh tannins, rather producing fine grained and often silky textured tannins. The 2018 growing season, marked by early warmth and followed by a cool summer and an exceptionally cool September, saw an extended fall harvest which concluded with the final grapes being picked the second week of November. These conditions allowed for the slow, balanced development of fruit which is evident in every sip. Quatrain 2018 blends 47% Syrah, 27% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, and 8% Cab Franc, producing a full bodied and beautifully integrated wine with exceptional structure, complexity and harmony. Dark plum, red currant, dark chocolate, Black Sage, pepper, graphite and cedar on the nose and palate. Full bodied with silky fine grained tannins, the finish is long with dark plum, pepper and graphite minerality persisting. Enjoy over the next decade with braised dishes, charcoal grilled steak, game, or firm cheeses. Tasted June 2024. 94 points. Matt Steeves – http://www.quercusvino.ca

Available at LCBO and winery-direct – $80

Nestled in the heart of British Columbia’s picturesque Okanagan Valley, Mission Hill Winery stands as an iconic beacon of the region’s winemaking prowess. From its early days Mission Hill has garnered international acclaim for its commitment to producing wines that reflect both the terroir and the innovative spirit of the region. Perched atop stunning vineyards overlooking Lake Okanagan, the winery combines old-world winemaking traditions with state-of-the-art technology, crafting wines that showcase the essence of the Okanagan’s unique microclimates. With a dedication to quality and a portfolio that spans from approachable everyday wines to flagship Bordeaux-style blends, Mission Hill continues to define the standard of excellence in Canadian winemaking, drawing visitors and enthusiasts alike to experience the beauty and sophistication of Okanagan wine country firsthand. If you haven’t had the chance to visit their West-Kelowna winery, or one of their sister-wineries throughout the Okanagan, I highly recommend as they consistently deliver top quality wines with unparalleled guest experiences.