Distinct, chocolaty, structured.
In a classic Bordelaise blend, Cabernet is the backbone, the structure, and this Burrowing Owl version is exactly that.
Distinct aromas of high-toned cassis are layered with pencil shavings, tobacco, fine spice and minty undertones. The palate is supple, yet has a strong vertical spine. It is chocolaty and spicy and has impressive balance overall.
Noteworthy: Sumac Ridge has renamed and re-labelled its wines from the iconic Black Sage Vineyard in the South Okanagan near Oliver. Planted over 20 years ago by previous Sumac Ridge owner, Harry McWatters, this vineyard was a turning point in BC's wine evolution. The label now stands independent from Sumac Ridge.
©copyright 2016 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - December 19th, 2016

Approachable, fresh, creamy.
Made from Monterey County, Sonoma County and Santa Barbara County fruit, this deliberately approachable Chardy delves into yellow apples and buttered toast, lemon meringue, grilled pineapples, and honeysuckle. It has a supple weight and fresh character with a creamy edge. Golden fruit and buttery flavours are propped up by vanilla liqueur and spice. Nice balance overall.
©copyright 2021 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - February 1st, 2021

Ambrosial, silky, nectarous.
Now owned by Constellation Brands (Arterra, in Canada), this ubiquitous Pinot Noir, comes from fruit from Monterey County, Santa Barbara County and Sonoma County.
It's siblings, a Chardonnay, a sparkling and a rose are now part of the portfolio.
Staying true to its ambrosial tradition it doles out raspberry jam, kirsch, vanilla, star anise, and candied violets on the nose. It is fresh and fruity, approachable and nectarous with a supple weight and fresh chocolaty finish.
©copyright 2019 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - February 4th, 2019

Ambrosial, supple, nectarous.
Now owned by Constellation Brands (Arterra, in Canada), this ubiquitous Pinot Noir, comes from fruit from Monterey County, Santa Barbara County and Sonoma County.
It's siblings, a Chardonnay, a sparkling and a rose are now part of the Meiomi portfolio.
Staying true to its ambrosial tradition it doles out potent aromas of raspberry jam, kirsch, vanilla, star anise, clove, cinnamon and candied violets on the nose. It is fresh and fruity, approachable and nectarous with a supple weight, slick texture and flavours of clove, cedar and tealeaf trailing on the finish.
©copyright 2020 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - November 13th, 2020

Ambrosial, silky, indulgent.
Now owned by Constellation Brands, this ubiquitous Pinot Noir, comes from fruit from Monterey County, Santa Barbara County and Sonoma County.
It has two siblings, a Chardonnay and a rose.
It stands true to its ambrosial upbringing, bursting forth with sarsaparilla, mocha, raspberry jam and kirsch with dried rose petals. Frankly supple with an indulgent amount of plush fruit, vanilla and mocha. Slick and silky, modern and approachable - a generous wine, which fans have come to love.
©copyright 2017 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - March 13th, 2017