The 2003 Burrowing Owl Cabernet Franc from British Columbia's Okanagan Valley was one of the last wines made for this winery by Bill Dyer, he formerly of Sterling Vineyards and other Napa endeavors. It was also, if nothing changed, one of the last good wines made by this family-owned winery--things haven't been so hot since The Heir To The Fortune took over Bill's job.
But I digress: Rich, sweet and full bodied on first pour with major blackberries and substantial earthiness complemented by some nice secondary nuances that make it as savory as it is sweet . It seems perfectly in middle age, a well-oaked wine that wears the oak well and seems quite regal. I taste it while putting the finishing touches on our chicken scallops with herb sauce dinner, go "mmm!" and can't wait to sit down and plant my face in the glass. By the time I get there, however, or at least through the first glass, the substantiveness drops like a cape and leaves a wine just a bit embarrassed about it's naked acidity. Is this purple prose? I can do worse. How about: it's like I thought I was kissing George Clooney and ended up with Don Knotts?
Anyway, not a great showing.
