One of British Columbia’s first premium/collectible wineries—before it was commonplace to seek out BC wine—Burrowing Owl Estate Winery has been popular since their first vintage in 1997. Also since that day, the Wyse family has been leaders in environmental stewardship. When they purchased the vineyard in 1993 they named it Burrowing Owl Vineyard, after learning that the little owl may have lived in the area at one time, but has since become an endangered species.
Athene (a-THEE-nee) takes its name from the biological genus of the Burrowing Owl Athene cunicularia, and its fruit from Oliver’s Black Sage Bench. Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon are co-fermented and then aged for 21 months in a mix of French, American and Hungarian oak, resulting in a well-knit spice box of exotic dark aromas and flavors. Dusky dark berry, red and black currants, sweet tobacco and dark cocoa on the nose through to a gravelly, thorny finish. The ripe, round and full palate carries ample wild cassis, ripe blue plum, dark cocoa, earthy tobacco, cracked pepper and perfumed cloves. Acidity is fresh, tannins are ample and well-integrated though with a rigid edge, reflecting this powerful wine’s youthful state. Enjoy now with herbed roast beef or lamb, or be rewarded with three or more years in the cellar.
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