2020 Stratus "White Label" Merlot [Member Request]

"From the new Stratus premium 'White Label' series, this is from the 'merlot 3' block at the lowest part of the estate, with fairly heavy clay, with more humidity, perfect in a dry, warm vintage like 2020, though in future editions may come from different parcels - the series is based on the best parcel of each vintage, rather than a consistent single parcel selection. This was picked earlier than the mean for Stratus, October 1st when November would be more common, aged 2 years in barrel, 12% new. The colour is deep purple, heavily extracted (30 days maceration but without aggressive pump overs), delivering a ripe, plummy, black fruit-infused nose, very ripe but still fresh, verging into acetone but that adds some lift to the plump fruit; oak is well balanced, nicely integrated into the ensemble. Tannins are broad, round and velvety, and length is excellent. It's a surprisingly approachable premium wine at this young age, full-bodied and widely appealing, though with potential to age a decade or more no doubt." 95 points John Szabo, MS,WineAlign

"Nice and distinctive merlot nose: plummy and some floral and spice notes. Full-bodied and appealing nature, approachable now with the stuffing to age. Drink now-2035. (95/100)" Christopher Waters, Globe & Mail