Mission Hill Family Estate Five Vineyards Cabernet-Merlot 2006

Okanagan Valley VQA, BC
Alcohol: 12.5%
Available in government ($18.99) and private stores (including Mission Hill stores), and at the winery

Mission Hill might be the largest entirely-within BC winery and makes everything from inexpensive wines (blended from imported and BC grapes) using several different labels, through to the ultra-super premium Oculus (a Bordeaux inspired wine).

The Five Vineyards line is Mission Hill’s entry-level 100% BC line-up. The 2006 Cabernet-Merlot is a blend of Merlot (48%), Cabernet Sauvignon (37%), and Cabernet Franc (15%). It has a dark ruby red colour, with purple tones. The nose has notes of rich, ripe dark fruit (plums, blackberries, and dark cherries). The ripe fruit flavours continue onto the palate, with the addition of some spices (including cloves). The flavours, soft tannins, and medium acid combine with a lingering finish to produce a pleasant wine that is easy to enjoy.

This is a wine that shows that some of the advantages of being a large (in BC terms) winery: it’s well priced against other BC wines, widely available, and delivers. It is a wine that is enjoyable on its own, but also works well with a variety of foods (including the ubiquitous red meats, pastas, and cheeses). It’s a fitting entry point for such a well known winery.