2018 Stratus Weather Report Red

Varieties

Syrah

Merlot

Tempranillo

Cabernet Franc

Vintage

2018

Country

Canada

Region

VQA Niagara Lakeshore

Alcohol

12.5%

Bottle size

750 mL

Drinking Window

2021 - 2025

Description

"The idea piggybacks on the signature Stratus red and the grapes are generally cabernet sauvignon, merlot, petit verdot, syrah, cabernet franc and the floral bringing outlier viognier. A fine line of silken texture and a salty cut through makes this moderately structured and also variegate enough to drive complex notions and feelings. Really drinkable vintage for a few years forward." - 90 Points, Michael Godel, WineAlign

Body

medium

Growing Conditions

The 2018 vintage allowed for varied conditions throughout the year. A moderate winter and temperate spring allowed budbreak and flowering to set in five days earlier than average; though the bud count was reduced as a result of sudden frosts in late autumn, 2017. Summer was hot and dry which allowed for even clusters, great concentration, healthy fruit, and ease in the vineyard. The head start and persistent heat matured grapes earlier than average Niagara harvests with many of the whites being picked in the forepart of September. Autumn warmth continued but significant precipitation and resulting humidity ensued, creating some pressure to resist disease. Careful tending of the vineyard and flexibility became key to bringing in healthy, ripe fruit. The red harvest began with Gamay in early October and all varieties were harvested by mid November. Two acres comprised of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot were picked for Icewine Red after midnight on November 22 when temperatures plummeted to -9 degrees celsius. This made for the earliest, complete harvest at Stratus on record.