2015 Stratus Brut Nature 'Artist Label Series'

After seven years of ageing on lees, the 2015 vintage is both bright and luscious. Playful yet comforting aromas of baked green apple, browned butter and grated nutmeg emphasize the layered flavours of freshly squeezed lemon, shortbread and frangipane tartlette. The fine bubbles and spritely acidity allow the fruit to sparkle, while the unfiltered lees creates a concentrated, rounded texture with a slight haze in the glass.

2015 was a solid vintage following brutally cold temperatures and snowfall in February, which caused some damage and reduced overall yields. Variable temperatures in the spring and a damp June were fortunately tempered by a hot and dry July and August. These ideal growing conditions persevered through a warm and lengthy autumn during the final stages of maturation.

The hot summer instigated early picking of Chardonnay to preserve verve and tension for this sparkling wine. Overall, the vintage shows whites of complexity and freshness, while the reds, as a result of lower yields and extended ripening, are layered, elegant, and plush.