A contrast to the more crisp and herbal cabernet francs of France's Loire Valley, Burrowing Owl's 2012 shows what can happen to this regal grape when it's exposed to the Okanagan's intense sunshine. Full-bodied and velvety, it offers up rich berries, vanilla, chocolate and punchy spice, framed by solid acidity. Perfect now for braised meats such as slow-cooked lamb shanks, it should improve with five to seven years in the cellar. Available direct, bovwine.ca.