Burrowing Owl Estate Winery 2006 Meritage - 93+pts

Burrowing Owl Estate Winery 2006 Meritage (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Limited. Direct from winery. Select wine merchants

Cost: $45

Alcohol: 14.5%

Date Tasted: November 29th, 2009

Tasting Notes: A superb Meritage red blend of 53.8% Merlot, 27.5% Cabernet Franc, 12.5% Canbernet Sauvignon, 3.7% Malbec and 2.5% Petit Verdot from Southern Okanagan producer, and cult favourite, Burrowing Owl Estate Winery.

The aromatics of the Cabernet Franc shine on the nose while the smooth fruit flavours of the Merlot are showcased on the palate. The wine also benefits from fine tannins from the Black Sage Bench grown Cabernet Sauvignon making this a very successful blend where the whole is greater than the parts.

This 2006 vintage is very approachable now but is still developing and due to the fine tannin structure and good acidity it will continue to develop for years to come. Open one per year over the next 5 years to treat yourself to an exceptional expression of BC fruit that showcases the depth and complexity that can be achieved in the finest of Okanagan wines. Drink now through 2014. - LC

*Look for the 2007 vintage in select BC wine shops now.