2012 Stratus Red 3L

Varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon; Cabernet Franc; Merlot; Petit Verdot; Malbec; Tannat
Vintage: 2012
Country: Canada
Region: VQA Niagara Lakeshore
Alcohol: 13.8%
Bottle size: 750 mL
Drinking Window: 2016 - 2030

Description: The much-praised 2012 vintage was a gift to our assemblage wines as the growing season’s favourable conditions ensured that all of our varietals reached optimal ripeness. The 2012 Stratus Red blend is a deeply complex wine that has an intense cassis core, with dark and dusty plums and a hint of cocoa powder. There is a defined and integrated oak character that complements the vintage’s rich fruit profile. The palate exhibits fine, silky, chocolatey tannins that bode well for a long and elegant evolution.
Body: full
Growing Conditions: The winter of 2012 was warmer and drier than in previous years with vine development starting very early in the season. An extremely warm March was followed by significantly cooler temperatures and frost in April. While devastating for many of our neighbouring tender fruit growers, our vineyard buds had not yet "woken" to spring when the frosts hit and the crop thankfully did not suffer. Bud break did occur about 16 days earlier than usual which extended the length of the growing season. Summer temperatures continued to be above average with July being much drier than normal. Overall, the hot, dry climate resulted in the best growing season for Stratus to date and provided flawless fruit for an impressive lineup of wines.