Mission Hill Oculus Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, 2019

Mission Hill Oculus 2019 is one of Canada’s most iconic red wines and is considered by many to be the country’s ultimate Bordeaux blend. As the flagship of Mission Hill’s prestigious Legacy Collection, Oculus represents the very best of the Okanagan Valley, where carefully selected grapes and uncompromising craftsmanship come together in a wine of international caliber. It is a wine that impresses with its power, elegance, and great aging potential.

The name Oculus derives from the round window that, since Roman times, has been used to direct natural light into buildings such as the Pantheon. At Mission Hill, the oculus window is the sole source of natural light in the spectacular underground barrel cellar, which was blasted directly into the volcanic rock. Here, the estate’s most prestigious wine matures under optimal conditions.

The 2019 vintage is made from 52% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc, 17% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 1% Petit Verdot. All the grapes come from Mission Hill’s own vineyards in Osoyoos, where the warm climate and long growing season produce perfectly ripe grapes with great concentration. Fermentation takes place in small French oak barrels and partly in concrete, after which the wine ages for 17 months in French oak barrels. The result is a complex, elegant, and deeply concentrated wine that will age beautifully for many years.

Mission Hill Oculus 2019 is an obvious choice for the serious wine collector or for a blind tasting, where even experienced Bordeaux enthusiasts will be surprised by the quality from Canada.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Intense and complex with cassis, black cherries, ripe plums, and figs. These are complemented by notes of tobacco, cedar, licorice, dark chocolate, and subtle spices from the barrel aging.

Palate: Full-bodied, concentrated, and silky smooth with plenty of dark berries, blackcurrants, blackberries, and plums. Well-integrated tannins, elegant acidity, and lovely notes of vanilla, espresso, and cedar create a harmonious and complex whole.

Finish: Very long and refined, with dark fruit, spices, cocoa, and mineral nuances. The firm tannins indicate impressive aging potential.

The Estate’s History

Mission Hill Family Estate was founded in 1981 and is today one of Canada’s most renowned and award-winning wineries. Located in the Okanagan Valley, the estate has been a driving force behind the development of high-quality Canadian wine and is known for its uncompromising quality, sustainable vineyard practices, and world-class architecture.

The Legacy Collection represents the pinnacle of Mission Hill’s production and brings together the winery’s most exclusive wines. Oculus is the crown jewel of the series and is crafted exclusively from the finest grapes grown in the winery’s own vineyards in Osoyoos. The combination of exceptional terroir, meticulous selection, and precise winemaking has made Oculus one of Canada’s most prestigious wines, earning it widespread international recognition.

• Producer: Mission Hill Family Estate
• Wine: Oculus
• Vintage: 2019
• Type: Red wine
• Country: Canada
• Region: Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
• Vineyards: 100% Osoyoos (96% East, 4% West)
• Grapes: 52% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc, 17% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Petit Verdot
• Aging: 17 months in French oak barrels
• Fermentation: Small French oak barrels and partially in concrete
• Contains: Sulfites
• Volume: 75 cl
• Alcohol: 14.5%