2017 Stratus Red 1.5L Magnum

A deep nose of black plum, blackberry and mulberry, ripe and full, with hints of bouquet garni herbs, licorice and dark chocolate.

The palate is rich and sleek now but will gain even more fruit as it matures. Glossy but not jammy black fruit, licorice and fresh sage move smoothly through the mid palate and into the long finish

2017 began with above average winter temperatures and low snow precipitation. Spring was timely with bud-break occurring the week of May 8. Cooler, damp temperatures began soon after however and remained through the height of the growing season. Fortunately, an even flowering mid-June was not hindered by these conditions. Extra attention to cluster thinning and leaf plucking was taken to ensure high quality fruit. Fortuitously, summer weather seemed to start in September and carried through the warmest October in a decade. The total number of growing degree days soared during these two months allowing for delayed, but optimal ripeness. Perfect harvest conditions held through November. After the long and dry autumn, a sudden cold snap in mid-December allowed for an early pick of Icewine.