The newly released 2020 Oculus by Mission Hill Family Estate has been awarded a perfect 100-point score, the first time a Canadian red wine has ever achieved this accolade, marking a historic achievement for the Okanagan Valley and the country’s wine industry.
This crowning achievement is the realization of a bold dream seeded in 1981 by Anthony von Mandl, who saw the untapped potential of British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley. Risking everything, von Mandl purchased a near-bankrupt winery—one of only five in the region—and reimagined it as “Mission Hill”, driven by a belief that this land could one day rival the world’s most revered wine regions.
With no one willing to invest, von Mandl turned to building entirely new businesses and launching global beverage brands to fund his dream—an unwavering pursuit to create world-class wine on Canadian soil.
That dream gained global attention in 1994, when Mission Hill’s Chardonnay was crowned ‘Top Chardonnay Worldwide’ at the International Wine & Spirit Competition in London. Empowered by this success, von Mandl set his sights on crafting an ‘ultra-premium Bordeaux-style blend’ that would truly express the unique terroir of the Okanagan.
Under the guidance of legendary winemaker John Simes, known for his pivotal role in elevating New Zealand wine, “Oculus” was born. Its ‘inaugural 1997 vintage’ was a bold declaration of the region’s potential—an elegant fusion of Old World structure and New World vibrancy.
With its remarkable aging potential and exceptional expression of terroir, carefully selected grapes from the estate vineyards are exclusively grown for the rare Oculus wine. The 2020 vintage is a rich, elegant and refined blend comprised of Merlot (49%), Cabernet Sauvignon (24%), Cabernet Franc (22%) and Petit Verdot (5%). The grapes are gravity-filled into specially constructed French oak and concrete fermenters before laying the wine to rest in individual barrels. On the palate, it impresses with lush aromas of spice and dark cherry with subtle notes of chocolate, boasting silky tannins, vibrant acidity, and a profound depth; delivering an exceptional balance of elegance and boldness that reveals the finest qualities of each varietal in perfect harmony.
The 100-point score was awarded by John Schreiner, wine writer, sommelier and author of over 15 books on the Canadian wine industry. In his review of the 2020 Oculus, he noted: “The wine begins with appealing aromas of cassis, spice and dark cherry. The long and silky tannins support flavours of dark fruits with a hint of chocolate. The finish is persistent. A tour de force!”
2020 Oculus by Mission Hill Family Estate, 750ml | $225
