Stratus Vineyards only ships products within Canada.
Stratus Merlot, 2019
Shipped and sold by Stratus Vineyards
VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake
Tasting Note:
A wine with an explosively complex mosaic of fresh plum, blueberry, black dahlia and foraged mushrooms are offered up on the nose as polished flavors of grilled fig, cacao beans and red peppercorns give way to a long, rich finish with soft tannins and lingering notes of raspberry and chocolate, complemented by driven acidity.
Vintage Report:
The year began with mild conditions that followed with a winter full of significant weather variability including extreme cold and heavy snowfall, rapid thaw in March was the primary weather story of the spring. Bud break in most areas had a slight delay; however, flowering occurred quickly as the grapevines accelerated to make up for the late start. July was warm and sunny, punctuated by three short but intense heat waves. Two significant rainfalls occurred in the month, maintaining soil moisture and supporting developing vines. August was warm and intermittently stormy, leading into a comparatively average September. Consistent and average conditions completed the summer and allowed for a stable and phased-in harvest.
Cooperage: 617 days in neutral oak
Unfiltered
Critic's Rating
National Wine Awards of Canada 2022, Bronze Medal
The 2019 vintage was a featured wine in February 2024's Wine Club package.
Tasting notes written by Tony Aspler.
Geographical Indication: VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake
Vineyard: Estate vineyard
Residual Sugar: 0.2 g/L
Cases Produced: 316
Appearance: Deep ruby in colour.
Nose: Cedary, spicy, black plum bouquet with vanilla oak notes.
Palate: Medium- to full-bodied, dry, somewhat austere and savoury as if the fruit is still sleeping. Firmly structured.
Quality: 89 – 91 points – Wine Club Canada. Very Good+ / Outstanding. Needs cellaring for a couple of years.
Food Pairing: Truffle risotto, skirt steak with paprika butter, shiitake mushroom and cheese dip, pan-seared duck breast with blueberry sauce, and chargrilled oysters with parmesan-dusted asparagus.
