Earthy, succulent, spicy.
This estate grown Syrah expresses what BC can do with this variety in the warmest of our terroirs.
It is expectedly earthy and succulent delivering notes of wild sage, forest berries, spice rub, fleur de sel, espresso and char-grilled meats. The palate leads with savoury spice laden with cracked pepper, dark chocolate, wild herbs, leather and saline.
Overall, good structure, balance and complexity.
©copyright 2017 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - January 6th, 2017

This estate grown Syrah expresses what BC can do with Syrah.
It was aged 16 months in French, American and Russian oak and offers aromas of blackberries, cracked black pepper, plum, black cherries in dark chocolate, espresso, leather and hints of licorice. The palate shows its more succulent side with black fruit and loads of black pepper, dried herbs, toasted spices and bittersweet mocha atop savoury spice rub and smoked meats.
It's a gutsy wine, chewy, meaty and concentrated with very good balance.
©copyright 2013 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - November 26th, 2013

Stylish, succulent, spicy.
This estate grown Syrah expresses what BC can do with this variety.
Expect succulent notes of roasted plums, blackberries, smoked spices, grilled meat, wild herbs and pink peppercorns with a core of wild briary berries. It is concentrated and spicy with a strong mocha character. Very good structure and complexity with balanced acidity and integrated tannin.
Stylish.
©copyright 2015 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - June 4th, 2015

Expressive, chocolaty, oak.
I haven't tasted this red blend since the 2013 vintage and this 2019 vintage is 48% Cabernet Sauvignon and 52% Syrah that was aged in oak for 18 months. It delivers vanilla and sweet oak aromas along with licorice and cedar, crushed purple flowers, black cherry and brambleberry aromas. The palate echoes the nose with purple fruit and peppery spices, black chocolate and expresso flavours, but the oak really weighs down the finish.
Pair: Pepper crusted rib-eye steak, hearty mushroom ravioli with Parmesan and herbs or seasonal game meats.

©copyright 2022 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - November 1st, 2022

Expressive, plush, appealing.
This 2019 vintage of the Athene is 45% Cabernet Sauvignon and 55% Syrah that was aged in oak for 18 months.
It has a plush nose of chocolate and black cherry, briary berries and baking spices, vanilla, purple flowers and cedar. The palate is equally supple and has a liqueur-like intensity. Rich coffee, black fruits, spice and dark chocolate flavours linger. An appealing and powerful red.
Pair: Pepper crusted rib-eye steak, hearty mushroom ravioli with Parmesan and herbs or seasonal game meats.

©copyright 2024 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - June 21st, 2024