James Suckling Explores Mission Hill Family Estate

In 1981, Mission Hill Family Estate Founder and Proprietor Anthony von Mandl looked out across the wild, untamed Okanagan Valley and felt a profound, undeniable calling. It was an audacious vision that this landscape of pristine beauty and agricultural bounty could produce wines to stand proudly alongside the world’s most venerable estates.

This pioneering journey drew the attention of one of the global wine industry’s most respected wine voices, James Suckling of JamesSuckling.com.

In late May, Suckling made his first visit to the region alongside Editor-at-Large Jim Gordon. Immersing themselves in the unique terroir, together they traversed the valley’s vineyards and evaluated more than 200 local wines that reflect the Okanagan Valley’s evolution.

The resulting report, “Iced Out No Longer: Okanagan Valley Warms Up to World-Class Wines,” marks a pivotal moment for Canadian wine, recognizing a breathtaking region sculpted by glacier-formed terrain and climatic extremes.

Ryan Chau photo

Reflecting on the dramatic climate, Suckling wrote:

“Winters can drop to minus 20 degrees Celsius, while summers can rise above 40. Winemakers also describe large diurnal shifts during key growing periods… The growing season is short, and frost is a constant concern. But many producers also see this as part of what gives the wines their freshness and definition.”

Despite the severe winter freeze of January 2024, which demanded profound resilience from the valley’s viticulturists, Suckling observed enduring strength. Walking the vineyard blocks, he noted the emergence of new trunks and rejuvenating shoots carrying their first fruit clusters as flowering commenced, a powerful testament that masterful wines are forged through patience, time, and dedication.

Celebrating Terroir at the Estate

During their five-day Okanagan Valley tour, the Suckling team visited Mission Hill Family Estate to taste hand-selected current releases and coveted library vintages.

Their assessment recognized the strength of our red and white estate wines, praising the freshness, structure, and precision that continue to cement Mission Hill Family Estate as the benchmark of Canadian luxury wine.

The report highlights a broader, sophisticated evolution across the valley, increasingly focused on exactitude in craftsmanship. As we continue to refine our craft, global attention is following.

Standout Scores

The comprehensive tasting notes from JamesSuckling.com feature exceptional accolades for our wines. We are proud to share these mentions:

• 2016 Oculus — 94 Points
  Warm, silky and well concentrated, with blackcurrant, baking spice, mineral, cocoa and spearmint notes leading to a long finish.
• 2020 Quatrain — 94 Points
  Fresh berries, green tobacco and smoky-sweet aromas lead to fine tannins and a clean, delicious finish.
• 2014 Compendium — 94 Points
  A mature Bordeaux-style red blend with dark plum, blackcurrant, cedar and cacao, framed by softening tannins.
• 2020 Compendium — 94 Points
  Juicy and flavourful, with blackcurrant, sour cherry, orange peel and a subtle cedar finish.
• 2022 Terroir Collection Cabernet Franc — 94 Points
  Deeply flavoured and densely structured, with black cherry, singed herb, espresso, iron, stone and sour cherry notes.

A Legacy Recognized

These exceptional scores reflect the landscape, climate, and uncompromising pursuit of viticultural and winemaking excellence that shape every bottle we cellar.

At Mission Hill Family Estate, we invite guests to experience this profound sense of place firsthand through our wines, culinary program, iconic architecture and extraordinary setting that continues to define one of Canada’s most celebrated wine estates.

Discover the Okanagan Valley through the lens of Mission Hill Family Estate.