2023 Stratus “Alto” Red 🔥 92+pts 🔥 Exclusive Release

Ontario, VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake
Cab Franc, Cab Sauvignon, Merlot, Sauv Blanc, Viognier, Semillon, Syrah, Sangiovese | Dry | 13.5% ABV
92+pts Carl’s Wine Club

I Fuc*^%# love that wine! It has all the elements of the perfect everyday crowd pleaser! An unusual red blend too: it includes four white grape varietals, something that I have rarely seen before. But it works very well, so why not?

I tip my hat to Dean and J-L whose winemaking skills have reached such a high level when it comes to blending and “assemblage.” Good weight, great structure, feisty tannins, long finish…and perfect price-point!

On the nose, pleasing aromas of red fruits like wild raspberry, red currant, with also expressions of blueberry and a hint of citrus and chocolate. The palate is also intriguing, with texture and multiple layers of flavours, highlighted by crunchy red fruits, cassis, crushed raspberry, mocha, vanilla, wet stone and a line of zesty lemon just past the mid-palate. The finish lingers with a long and tenacious white pepper sensation.

A very fun wine to taste. This wine is not normally available to the public. It is the Stratus ‘business card’ at restaurants only – but it is available in Carl’s Wine Club for a very limited time.

This is a “buy by the case” situation, in my opinion! (Carl Boucher, October 2, 2024). 

Food pairing: wood fire prosciutto pizza, pork schnitzel 
Drink now until 2027
Winery price: $29.00 including tax & deposit