2025 Stratus Red Icewine with Soma Dark Chocolate with Icewine Lees

Deep ruby-garnet in colour, this Red Icewine opens with intense aromas of wild strawberry, raspberry compote, candied cherry, and rhubarb, layered with hints of candied ginger, cinnamon, and maple caramel. On the palate, it is richly concentrated yet balanced by vibrant Niagara acidity, delivering flavours of strawberry preserves, red plum, cranberry, and dark berry coulis. Subtle notes of baking spice and dried fruit add complexity. The finish is long, silky, and persistent, with lingering red-fruit sweetness and refreshing lift.

The 2025 vintage marked another benchmark here at Stratus. The season began slowly in April and May, with cooler-than-expected temperatures and abundant rainfall, particularly in May. Conditions shifted throughout the summer, with above-average growing degree days and uncharacteristically low precipitation, creating optimal sunlight exposure for the grape clusters as fall approached. The dry weather also supported exceptionally healthy canopies and fruit, free from significant rot or mildew pressure. Harvest brought average temperatures and several heavy rain events in October, concentrated into a few major downpours rather than frequent scattered showers, helping to maintain fruit quality. The result is a vintage expected to produce white wines with vibrant, expressive aromatic profiles that leap from the glass.