Mission Hill Oculus 2019

In 1981, the Okanagan was largely undiscovered as a wine region, instead it was renowned for the quality of its stonefruit orchards. Grape growers were just beginning to take risks, planting vines in unproven terrain.

Despite these risks, the glacier-formed valley offered varying soil profiles, long, hot growing days, and diverse microclimates. These distinct subregions posed an opportunity to cultivate wine with unmistakable terroir. This potential inspired Mission Hill Family Estate’s vision for the future of Okanagan wine.

Now, after being recognized as Canada’s only five-time winner of Winery of the Year and receiving multiple best varietal awards on the international stage, they continue to draw inspiration from the valley and the vineyards they tend to. For them, the journey is just beginning.

An OCULUS was first used by the Romans in buildings like the Pantheon – a window in a dome or wall to the outside. At Mission Hill, their oculus provides the only natural light into our underground barrel cellar, blasted out of volcanic rock that is otherwise hidden from the world. Their complex Oculus Bordeaux-style wine is the result of meticulous selection in the vineyard estate with grapes that have been specifically nurtured for this rare wine.

This vintage delivers a powerful, fresh, and elegant structure, with Merlot driving red and blue fruit flavours, while the Cabernet Franc enriches the flavour with herbaceous undertones and the Cabernet Sauvignon supports the length on the palate.