Burrowing Owl Winery is a fixture on the Black Sage Bench providing wines of consistently high quality for the enjoyment of their legions of loyal followers for many years. The 2011 harvest was, according to the team at the winery, fantastic in spite of the questionable weather endured by the valley throughout the 2011 growing season. Careful and attentive vineyard management, in conjunction with some excellent vineyard sites, resulted in grapes that are destined to become wines of note.
2009 Chardonnay
A bewitching green/gold in the glass. The nose is an enchanting blend of aromas of both baked apple and fresh, crisp apple with a hint of butter. The smooth mouthfeel is a symphony of buttered toast, hints of citrus and apple jelly with beautiful acidity.
2009 Merlot
A textbook example of the varietal. The nose is full of ripe cherries, plums and berries and the palate is smooth and rich with a hint of cocoa, more ripe fruit and spice elements. The finish is long with a satisfying chalky nip.
2009 Cabernet Franc
Absolutely fabulous. A deep burgundy with a nose so thick and lush that you can almost see the aromas rising out of the glass. This wine could transform a person into a cigar lover; the flavours of tobacco, cedar, smoke and cocoa are so seductive. The finish is long and smooth with fine tannins.
2009 Cabernet Sauvignon
Like Prince Charming in a bottle; rich, handsome and extremely well built. The deep purple, almost black colour speaks well in advance of the juicy nose redolent of dark fruits. The palate is alive with dazzling spices and ripe berries underscored with throbbing bass notes provided by the ample tannin structure. There is a lot of life in this wine.
If you’re planning a trip to the South Okanagan, a stay in the Guest House at Burrowing Owl is in order. Perhaps the Spring Blossom getaway package would fit the bill? For more information on accommodation or upcoming events at the winery, visit the website at www.burrowingowlwine.ca
~ Courtney Fossett