Burrowing Owl Estate Winery Athene 2008 VQA

Oliver, Okanagan Valley, BC
$33-38
+148486  available at winery and select private wine stores

www.bovwine.ca

Athene (a-THEE-nee) is the first new label to be added to the Burrowing Owl family in 8 years – that’s older than dozens of wineries in this province. Burrowing Owl has developed a cult following for their big, expressive wines – and baby Athene is shadowing the siblings stunningly. The name of the wine is from the biological genus of the Burrowing Owl Athene cunicularia, and the fruit is from one of the best vineyard sites in Oliver.  Big and bold, this experimental blend of Syrah (53%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (47%) was co-fermented for three weeks prior to resting for 14 months in oak. Deep, dark berry, spice and cocoa scents carry through to the full bodied palate – with rich red and black currants, pepper, tobacco, dark chocolate and a lick of cool mint-vanilla. Smooth tannins and an easy, silky balance – impressive considering this bird clocks in at 14.5% alcohol.

One of BC’s first premium/collectible wineries, BOW is owned by the Wyse family, and has been popular since their first vintage in 1997. In addition to the modernity minded gravity flow winery, the property has a well-regarded restaurant (The Sonora Room) and luxuriously appointed guesthouses. They have also been leaders in environmental stewardship. When the Wyse’s purchased the vineyard when it back 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. Winery patrons are asked to donate $2 for each wine tasting and all proceeds are given to the Burrowing Owl Conservation Society of BC for their captive release program for burrowing owls and to SORCO (South Okanagan Rehabilitation Centre for Owls).

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Burrowing Owl Estate Winery Athene 2008

Big and bold, this experimental blend of Syrah (53%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (47%) has aromas of deep, dark berry, spice and cocoa that carry through to the full bodied palate – accompanied by rich red and black currants, pepper, tobacco, dark chocolate and a lick of cool mint-vanilla. Smooth tannins and an easy, silky balance – impressive considering this bird clocks in at 14.5% alcohol.