Stratus Vineyards only ships products within Canada.
Stratus Gamay, 2021
Shipped and sold by Stratus Vineyards
VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake
Tasting Notes: Expect a bright and lively wine with aromas of lilac, fresh berries, licorice and hints of black pepper so characteristic of this grape. The palate has a crunch and verve that is balanced by fine tannins and notes of sweet and spicy clove.
Cooperage: Barrel aged 277 days
Growing Conditions: Defined by highly variable weather, 2021 was unpredictable from start to finish. The year started with warmer than average, January temperatures. Spring settled into predictably seasonal temperatures and generally dry conditions – a great start to the growing season. As the summer progressed, hot and dry conditions prevailed. Despite unexpected scattered rain and severe thunderstorms at the end of the month, extreme heat and drought were the predominant challenges faced in August. Unstable weather in the fall presented challenging harvest conditions. Rain and humidity at inopportune times required a strategic approach to picking grapes at their peak. Many of the red varieties were harvested at the tail end of November and in early December.
Critic's Rating
National Wine Awards of Canada 2023, Silver Medal
Connoisseur Note(s):
This is a very pretty, fresh and tidy gamay, so nicely put together. The nose blends lovely gentle lilac florals, fresh berries, subtle spice and vanillin. It is supple yet fresh with very fine tannin. Very focused with excellent length. Scoring on balance. Tasted March 2023. 91 points — David Lawrason, WineAlign
The 2021 vintage was a featured wine in February 2024's Wine Club package.
Geographical Indication: VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake
Vineyard: Estate vineyard
Residual Sugar: 0.8 g/L
Cases Produced: 353
Appearance: Semi-opaque. Light ruby red colour.
Nose: Bold aromas of black cherry, savoury green herbs, and pepper spice.
Palate: Medium acid, medium tannin, medium body. Savoury notes of leather, cigar ash, baking spice, and hints of black pepper.
Quality: 92 points – Wine Club Canada. Outstanding.
Food Pairing: Lamb curry, seared tuna with ponzu and red chiles, pork tenderloin with peach-mustard sauce, sweet potato gratin, and spanakopita.
