Honourable Mention: 2021 Stratus “Red” 🔥 94pts

Ontario, VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake
34% Cab Franc, 32% Merlot, 18% Petit Verdot, 7% Malbec, 6% Tannat, 2% Syrah, 1% Cab Sauv | Dry | 13.5% ABV
94pts Carl’s Wine Club | 95pts Tony Aspler | 93pts Wine Enthusiast

Yummmy! This is such an enthusing red blend with sooo much to offer, and so much depth and complexity. All fruits harvested from the home vineyards in the Niagara Lakeshore sub-appellation, this unusual blend is a Stratus signature and showcases their blending skills at the highest level. On the nose, solid notes of kirsch, black cherries, licorice, pot-pourri and roasted garrigue. This round, medium to full-bodied, ripe, straight-up sexy Cab Franc-Merlot dominant has ripe yet present tannins, good overall balance, and a greatly complex finish. I have to say, the generous portion of Petit Verdot shines and really influences the profile of this wine.  The tannins are feisty at the moment, which is expected at this stage (pre-release) but will settle down in the next couple of years. It's another impressive Niagara-on-the-Lake wine, in a vintage that had real challenges but clearly, it delivers all the way. More than that, this red blend has the potential to be extra special in 10 years. (Carl Boucher, October 2, 2024). 

Food pairing: beef wellington, BBQ lamb chops
Drink between 2026 and 2034
Winery price: $55.00 including tax & deposit