2019 Stratus Red

"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, John Szabo (MS), 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