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Anthony Gismondi on Wine
Burrowing Owl Merlottext
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16/20

Burrowing Owl Merlot 2015

Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMerlot is the most planted red grape in BC, though most examples make me question why. Burrowing Owl, however, has been consistent in delivering an accessible, plush merlot since day one. This year's reflects the massive heat of 2015 vintage, showing already a browning in hue. This incarnation comes from estate vineyards in Oliver and Osoyoos, and spends 18 months in French, Hungarian, American and Russian barrels, approximately one quarter of which were new. Ripe and thick, with plum, black cherry, cassis, black coffee, bittersweet cocoa, and striated with sagebrush scrub. Tannins are sticky-supportive to a medicinal cherry finish. Classic BOV, ringing in at nearly 15 degrees alcohol, and best partnered with equally rich beef stew.Tasted: 10 October 2018Tasted by: Prices:
BC$30.00750mlVQA wine stores, winery direct
AB$34.00750mlprivate wine shops
ON$29.95750mlLCBO
Producer: Burrowing Owl VineyardsDistributors: Appellation Wine Marketing
Le Sommelier Inc.
Grape: MerlotCSPC: 509855UPC: 688229003158