Burrowing Owl Syrah 2019

This wine can be cellared for up to 10 years. It is recommended to decant it for an hour before serving.

This Rhône-inspired red blend from Burrowing Owl is brimming with ripe aromas of blackberry, bilberry, plum, and licorice, complemented by animalistic notes of smoked meat. As it opens up, you’ll also detect hints of vanilla and black pepper, adding further complexity to the bouquet. While Syrah is the dominant grape, comprising 97% of the blend, the producers have also included a small addition of Viognier.

Burrowing Owl Estate Winery is located just north of the Canadian border, where the dry steppe terroir that blankets most of Washington state’s prime vineyard sites begins to fade. Founded in 1997 by Jim Wyse, it has become one of Canada’s most acclaimed wineries, receiving gold medals at the Mundus Vini Spring Tastings and the WineAlign National Wine Awards of Canada.

This beautiful red is an excellent introduction to the often-overlooked world of Canadian wine. It is full-bodied and velvety on the palate, with a firm tannic structure and refreshing acidity. Jammy notes of black and blue hedgerow fruits emerge on the palate, intermingling with sage, thyme, spice, and subtle hints of coconut. A medley of dried herbs lingers on the palate throughout the long finish. Consider pairing this red with a tender piece of herby lamb, a hearty mushroom burger, or grilled eggplant.