

2019 Stratus Red
A superbly elegant assemblage of Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Tannat, Syrah and Malbec.
$49.00 CAD
Welcome
Are you 19 years of age or older?
Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Tannat, Syrah, Malbec
2019
Medium
VQA Niagara Lakeshore
J-L Groux
13.3%
750 mL
18 °C
2022-2029
671 days in oak │ 6% new
Boasts potent aromas and flavours of pomegranate, dried tobacco leaf and hibiscus. With a fine structure of savoury overtones, a fruit-filled palate of black prune and cassis are accompanied by subtle notes of earthy undertones that unfold into a well-balanced and expressive finish of cocoa powder that coats the palate.
Budbreak in most areas had a slight delay, however the sunny autumn drew out the end of the season. January started off mild but was a month full of significant weather events including extreme cold and heavy snowfall, which continued throughout February, while the rapid thaw in March was the major weather story of the spring. Significant snow melt led to high water levels for the start of the growing season. June brought summer weather with normal temperatures across Ontario and the growing season got under way. Flowering occurred quickly as the grapevines accelerated to make up for the late start. July was warm and sunny, punctuated by three short but intense heat waves, complemented by high humidity across south-eastern and southwestern Ontario. Two significant rainfalls occurred in the month, maintaining soil moisture and supporting developing vines. August was warm and intermittently stormy, leading into a comparatively quiet September, cool with some rain – but bringing decent conditions to finish off the summer and begin the harvest season.
"Big volume on the nose here from Stratus's flagship red blend, 31% Cabernet Franc, 21% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Petit Verdot, 4% Tannat, 3% Syrah and 2% Malbec. I love the texture on the palate, the silky-firm tannins, the sharp-tart acids, the long, lingering finish. Complexity is high, and density/weight/concentration are impressive, as is balance. Terrific length, too. A superb vintage, best 2024-2030. Tasted December 2022." 94 points, David Szabo, WineAlign
"Released in late October 2022 the 2019 Stratus Red is a blend of seven varieties led by Cabernet Franc and Merlot that together comprise just over 50%. Then in come the firmer varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot in third and fourth positions, with Tannat, Syrah and Malbec combining for 9%. So one expects complexity and it delivers with generous red and black fruit aromas and a collage of herbs and dried flowers. It was aged over two years in French oak, only 6% new, so there are also cedary and spicy notes as well. I have tried this wine three times so far and get different things at different times. More importantly it is medium-full bodied, with firm acidity, moderated 13.3% alcohol and some starchy but not green tannin. The vintage was 'lighter' in Niagara with a normal growing season and cooler harvest so there is a certain sense of compactness and leanness, but there is also excellent energy and depth - a bit of a nervous young racehorse at the moment. I intend to follow its journey around the track which I bet will last well over ten years. The length is excellent. Last tasted November 2022" 93 points, David Lawrason, WineAlign