by Susan Desjardins

Darryl Brooker has recently assumed the mantle of chief winemaker from the legendary John Simes, who is taking on a role that will allow him to focus on the Von Mandyl Family vineyards. Darryl’s winemaking career began in Australia with Mountadam Vineyards followed by a stint with Villa Maria in New Zealand. He moved to Canada in 2003 crafting award-winning wines with several Niagara wineries including Flat Rock Cellars, Hillebrand and Thirty Bench. He moved to the Okanagan in 2010 to take on the role of winemaker at Cedar Creek Estate Winery which was recently purchased by the Von Mandyl Family Estates. Darryl is clearly enthusiastic about his new role, and pleased that he has had the opportunity to continue to draw on John Simes’ expertise and knowledge regarding earlier vintages and the extensive Okanagan Valley vineyards.

Mission Hill ‘Five Vineyards’ Pinot Blanc 2013
VQA Okanagan Valley $15.95 (145094) 14.0% alcohol
Produced in a warm vintage, with fruit harvested from estate vines, some planted three decades ago, this wine offers lovely aromas of tree fruit, mineral and sweet citrus. Dry, it combines great presence and silkiness on the palate with light texture. Vibrant underpinnings of clean acidity lift the flavours of pear, quince and grapefruit, a slight pithy note persisting through the refreshing finish. A great value and an ideal summer sipping wine. (Susan Desjardins)

 
Mission Hill ‘Five Vineyards’ Pinot Noir 2014
VQA Okanagan Valley $17.95 (145128) 13.5% alcohol
From another warm Okanagan vintage, this Pinot Noir showcases ripe cherry/berry fruit on the nose, a dash of spice and dried herbs with lovely lingering aromas of vanilla. Dry, mid-weight, the cherry and mouth-watering red berry flavours pour in a wave across the palate, mingling with earthy notes of beet and the lovely flavour of spiced vanilla. The acidity is well-defined, the tannins light and supple, the notes of well-integrated toast lingering on the finish. Enjoy with grilled salmon and spinach salad with sliced beetroot. (Susan Desjardins)

 
Mission Hill ‘Reserve’ Pinot Gris 2014
VQA Okanagan Valley $21.95 13.5% alcohol
Offering alluring floral aromas integrated with notes of melon and stone fruit, the slightly pink hue is evidence of extended skin contact during fermentation. Medium-bodied, the wine shows a round, creamy texture—a portion was aged in seasoned French barrels—that’s in fine counterpoint to the backbone of lively acidity. Flavours of stone fruit and melon replay with notes of pear and a dash of tangy spice shining through on the lengthy finish. Pour with prosciutto and melon. (Susan Desjardins)

 
Mission Hill ‘Reserve’ Chardonnay 2013
VQA Okanagan Valley $21.95 (545004) 13.5% alcohol
A Vintages Essentials product, this wine is always available at select LCBO stores. Displaying aromas of tropical and tree fruit, custard and spice, this is beautifully crafted showing exemplary balance. Dry, on the full side of medium-bodied, there’s intensity to the flavours of grilled pear and pineapple. The warmth of spiced nuances, nutty toasty notes of well-integrated oak and the subtle yet refreshing acidity bringing poise to the wine and length to the finish. (Susan Desjardins)

 
Mission Hill ‘Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
VQA Okanagan Valley $27.95 (553321) 14.0% alcohol
Elusive notes of dried herbs tantalize the nose, entwined with aromas of cedar, cinnamon toast, vanilla and sun-ripened black berries. Dry, full bodied, this wine shows well-orchestrated harmony of ripe yet firm tannins, a juicy texture and clean, pure flavours of cassis and black berry, enhanced with notes of mint and dark chocolate. There’s intensity and depth of flavour through the extended finish. A great wine to serve with grilled beef tenderloin. A Vintages Essentials product, this wine is always available at select LCBO stores. (Susan Desjardins)

• From Mission Hill’s Legacy series, the following is from select, south Okanagan fruit, aged two years in barrel plus two years in bottle prior to release. Drones sweep across vineyards photographing vines, from which only certain parcels of Syrah, Merlot and the Cabernets are selected. Twice the required grapes are harvested, each parcel separately fermented and aged with only the best barrels selected.

 
Mission Hill ‘Quatrain’ 2011
VQA Okanagan Valley $59.95 (218636) 13.5% alcohol
This is vibrant, well-defined in structure, offering aromas and flavours of dark fruits—blueberry, blackberry and plum—spicy floral notes and traces of vanilla, earth and dark chocolate. Dry, full bodied and long through the textured finish, you’ll enjoy tasting this on its own or with roast lamb. (Susan Desjardins)