The 2020 Oculus stands as a crowning achievement for Mission Hill Family Estate, earning the first-ever perfect 100-point score for a Canadian red wine. This landmark accolade, awarded by renowned wine writer and sommelier John Schreiner, affirms both the winery’s vision and the Okanagan Valley’s place on the global stage. Schreiner lauded the wine as a “tour de force,” highlighting its persistent finish and flawless execution.
On the palate, Oculus offers impeccable balance. Notes of cassis, dark cherry, and spice are met with subtle layers of chocolate, carried by silky tannins and vibrant acidity. This vintage is a testament to Mission Hill’s unwavering commitment to quality and innovation.
Crafted from estate-grown Merlot (49%), Cabernet Sauvignon (24%), Cabernet Franc (22%), and Petit Verdot (5%), the 2020 Oculus is a refined Bordeaux-style blend sourced from low-yielding vineyard blocks in Oliver and Osoyoos. Each grape cluster is hand-sorted and gravity-filled into custom French oak and concrete fermenters to preserve varietal integrity. After fermentation, the wine matures for 19 months in small French oak barrels, followed by an additional 24 months of bottle aging— allowing its complex character to deepen and unfold.
At the helm of this achievement is winemaker Taylor Whelan. Raised in Campbell River on Vancouver Island in a family that valued self-sufficiency, Taylor’s appreciation for food and drink was shaped by his coastal upbringing in the Salmon Capital of the World. Originally studying fisheries biology, his career pivoted to winemaking, taking him from Niagara-on-the-Lake to New Zealand, Australia, and Tasmania. He refined his craft at prestigious wineries such as House of Arras and Bay of Fires. In 2011, he returned to British Columbia to join CedarCreek Estate Winery, where he was instrumental in their transition to organic and regenerative farming—an effort that helped earn them ‘Winery of the Year’ at the 2022 WineAlign National Wine Awards.
With Taylor guiding Mission Hill’s winemaking philosophy, the 2020 Oculus reflects a deep respect for terroir, innovation, and excellence. Priced at $225, with complimentary shipping in British Columbia and Alberta, this vintage is more than a wine—it is a milestone in Canadian viticulture.