As I’ve already admitted, I jump at the chance to try Okanagan wines. I’ve heard a lot about Burrowing Owl from others so this one was on my todo list. The price is on the higher side of what I would normally pay for a white and definitely more than I would pay for an every day wine. So with that in mind and great anticipation I planned dinner. Pan fried sea bass and scallops. Yumm … Drooling began. I popped the bottle ahead of the meal to try it first! The bouquet is on the milder side of a varietal Chard. Color is pale yellow so not as golden as some Chards which usually is an indicator of a milder wine. On first sip on the mid pallet there are some nice fruit, varietal Chard flavors. Some amount of buttery/creaminess, with some sweetness. So far so good. And then … out of no where … on the finish comes a whack of bitter nasty flavors. I have no idea where this came from. Too green grapes perhaps? The sweetness/bitterness were locked in a pitch battle in my mouth and I was so not enjoying it. Clash would be how I would describe it. This is a very poorly made wine. It had so much potential. I am very disappointed. It’s been a long time since I returned an opened bottle of wine but this one will be going back. Natalie and I must have been drinking a totally different bottle of wine. My GF tried it and also did not enjoy it, but did not have quite the same harsh words or sentiments that I did. Apparently 2006 was not a good year for this particular wine. My bad luck.
From the LCBO web site:
BURROWING OWL ESTATE WINERY CHARDONNAY 2006 VQA Okanagan Valley Estate Btld. TASTING NOTE: Succulent with layers of flavor. Aromas of ripe peach pear green apples butter and freshly baked bread. Terrific balance. Food matches: lobster in butter corn dishes roast chicken. Drink: 2009-2011. Score – 91. (Natalie MacLean www.nataliemaclean.com April 21 2009) 726604 $28.95
Featured 7/4/2009 Check LCBO stock
