Burrowing Owl Estate Winery 2019 Athene - 89-91pts

Burrowing Owl Estate Winery 2019 Athene (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $40 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: September 11th, 2022
@BurrowingOwlBC

Tasting Notes: A blend of Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon (52/48) sourced from the winery's Black Sage Bench vineyard, the Athene is an uber-dark and brooding wine with lovely eucalyptus notes adding levity the dark fruit, black pepper and toasted oak scented nose. 

The palate delivers great continuity, offering a similar flavour profile with plenty of mouth-watering, balsamic acidity and temperamental tannins in need of a nap (cellar time). Ready to go now (with a pairing of dark chocolate) if you want something fairly raw and gnarly, but best to wait another 2+ years for added development and integration. Drink 2025-2028.

 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2022 IconWines.ca

Burrowing Owl Estate Winery 2013 Athene - 90pts

Burrowing Owl Estate Winery 2013 Athene (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $38 (taxes included)
Alcohol: 14.5%
Date Tasted: December 14th, 2016
@BurrowingOwlBC

Tasting Notes: A lively blend of 52% Syrah and 48% Cabernet Sauvignon with a fruit-foward profile of ripe, red fruit, cassis puree, dried herbs, white pepper, milk chocolate and caramel. Easy-going on the entry, followed by a wave of berry acidity. Light tannins and spice linger on the moderate-plus finish. Pair with sweetened BBQ ribs or chicken. Drink 2016-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca

Burrowing Owl Estate Winery 2012 Athene - 91pts

Burrowing Owl Estate Winery 2012 Athene (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $38 (taxes included)
Alcohol: 14.5%
Date Tasted: May 31st, 2015
@BurrowingOwlBC

Tasting Notes: The "Athene" is Burrowing Owl's vivacious Syrah-Cabernet Sauvignon blend (53%-47% respectively) that takes full advantage of the warm 2012 vintage, delivering ripe, dark fruit and intense, savoury herb characters on the charming nose and the complex, well-structured, mouth-watering palate. 

BC's answer to the fabulous Syrah-Cab blends of South Australia with broody, licorice, cassis, blackberry, cocoa nibs, cherry-cola, menthol, pepper, violets and cranberry dust flavours and aromas. Lots to work with food-pairing wise, but a classic, grilled red meat dish may be your best bet. Drink 2015-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca

Burrowing Owl Estate Winery 2011 Athene - 90pts

Burrowing Owl Estate Winery 2011 Athene (Black Sage Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $38
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: September 25th, 2014
@BurrowingOwlBC

Tasting Notes: Burrowing Owl's 'other' blend, is this lovely Syrah-Cabernet Sauvignon melange (55-45, respectively) that successfully combines the classic characteristics of both varieties, producing a nose that pairs pepper with cassis and cherry-cola with dusty sagebrush while warm, toasted oak and light floral aromas add a touch of sweet femininity.

The palate is full and flavourful, with a juicy, dark and red fruit entry giving way to savoury, meaty notes and finishing dry with fresh, wild berry acidity and dusty, fine tannins. A touch of bell pepper greenness lingers with the proud, spicy-pepper. 

Ready to go now and will drink nicely for the next 3-4 years. Drink 2014-2018.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca