Burrowing Owl Merlot 2018

89POINTS

16^¼/20

Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRetasted and probably not at the best moment. The wine is typically aged 14 months in 50% in French oak, with the remainder American, Hungarian and Russian oak. We tasted it alongside 2017, and it showed more vibrancy and a fresher undertone, although, at the moment, the oak is poking through the mid-palate accentuating the tannins. . More red fruit upfront with a spicy undercurrent of savoury black raspberries, coffee grains and tobacco. Lamb chops, grilled pork, or most any steak cut all work here. We stick with our first prediction; this needs time to return here in 2025.Tasted: 09 March 2021Tasted by: Prices:

BC	$32.00	750ml	winery online/direct, restaurants
AB	$34.00	750ml	private wine shops
ON	$29.95	750ml	LCBO

Producer: Burrowing Owl VineyardsDistributors: Appellation Wine Marketing
Le Sommelier Inc.
Grape: MerlotCSPC: 283846UPC: 688229 003 19 6

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88POINTS

16/20

Burrowing Owl Merlot 2018

Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom estate vineyards in Oliver and Osoyoos, this wine aged for 14 months in French, American, Hungarian, and Russian oak. The result, as you might expect, is a spicebox of aromatics and flavours, infiltrating a plush, full body of kirsch, cassis, and blackberries, bitter espresso, and tobacco. Tannins are firm, though well integrated, providing more structure than perhaps you're expecting from a BC merlot. This finishes dryly with ample bitter dark chocolate, welcoming pairing with grilled steak.Tasted: 12 October 2020Tasted by: Prices:

BC	$32.00	750ml	winery online/direct, restaurants
AB	$34.00	750ml	private wine shops
ON	$29.95	750ml	LCBO

Producer: Burrowing Owl VineyardsDistributors: Appellation Wine Marketing
Le Sommelier Inc.
Grape: MerlotCSPC: 283846UPC: 688229 003 19 6

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90POINTS

16^½/20

Burrowing Owl Merlot 2018

Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe 2018 harvest was done by hand in Oliver and Osoyoos on October 9 through 18. Post ferment, the wine is typically aged 14 months in 50% in French oak, with the remainder American, Hungarian and Russian oak. We tasted it alongside 2017, and it showed more vibrancy and a fresher undertone. More floral, red fruit on a silky mid-palate, all flecked with black plums, black raspberries, and a touch of tannin appropriate for its youth. Lamb chops, grilled pork, or most any steak cut all work here, and will for some time as it ages through 2025 and beyond. Well done.Tasted: 14 June 2020Tasted by: Prices: