Stacey's dad surprises us again with another bottle from his collection. This Burrowing Owl Merlot 1997 we found after finishing the Burrowing Owl's 2004 Pinot Noir.
This wine has a "closed" intense flavour. A short finish, but a glorious experience on the palate. Spice on the nose, good tannins but very smooth.
Stacey felt that this wine overpowered her taste buds after having a very good Pinot Noir (hey, we were having fun raiding the cellar though), and I don't disagree. Next time she suggests we would have this as an "only" red. Given that there is a very limited supply left, that will probably happen.
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Mike Klassen is a Vancouver city councillor, communications professional, and long-time advocate for British Columbia’s wine industry. He co‑founded BC Wine Lover in 2007 with his wife Stacey, sharing stories from their travels through the province’s wine regions and spotlighting the people and places that make B.C. wine distinctive.
In 2015, Mike led the BC Wine Appellation Task Group, guiding a province‑wide consultation that produced recommendations—later endorsed by industry plebiscite—that strengthened B.C.’s appellation standards and helped establish today’s sub‑GIs.
His writing has appeared in the Vancouver Sun, Huffington Post, and Daily Hive, blending history, policy insight, and personal experience. Alongside his work on Vancouver City Council, Mike continues to explore vineyards across the province, champion local producers, and celebrate the evolving culture of B.C. wine.
