Stratus Vineyards 2010 Red - 92pts

Stratus Vineyards 2010 Red (Niagara-On-The-Lake) Niagara Peninsula - Ontario

Availability: Direct from the winery directly here
Cost: $44
Alcohol: 14.5%
Date Tasted: August 18th, 2015

Tasting Notes: The 2010 assemblage of the winery's flagship red wine is a more straight forward approach when compared to previous vintages which have included up-to 7 red varieties grown on the Niagara-On-The-Lake vineyard. This year's blend could easily be mistaken for the specs of a Left Bank Bordeaux: 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, 15% Petit Verdot and 15% Cabernet Franc. 

The 2010 boasts a still-youthful nose of both raw and cultured, red and dark fruit aromas supported by lovely aromatic notes of sweetened spice, tobacco leaf, vanilla beans and toasted oak. The smooth palate follows with good continuity of flavours, supportive tannins and near-perfect acidity that refreshes the palate without washing away any of the lingering characters. 

Should age well, even by Stratus Red standards. Drink now-2022..
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca

Stratus Vineyards 2006 Red - 90pts

Stratus Vineyards 2006 Red (Niagara-On-The-Lake) Niagara Peninsula - Ontario

Availability: Limited. Contact the winery directly here
Cost: $44
Alcohol: 12.5%
Date Tasted: March 17th, 2013

Tasting Notes: The most Old World leaning of the winery's proprietary red blends that I have yet to taste from the Niagara-On-The-Lake property with mature red fruit aromas supported by savoury spice box and coffee grind notes followed by an austere and oaky palate reminiscent of cool-vintage Bordeaux (minus the appearance of spicy Gamay flavours). Has the texture and weight of a fine Pinot, yet the watery consistency reveals quiet intensity and complex layers.

A lighter, leaner style like the 2006 should hold nicely through to its 10 year anniversary, but I doubt you'll get any more improvement then what's in the glass today. Drink now-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Stratus Vineyards 2009 Red - 90+pts

Stratus Vineyards 2009 Red (Niagara-On-The-Lake) Niagara Peninsula - Ontario

Availability: Not yet released. Direct from winery here and select LCBO stores
Cost: $44
Alcohol: 13%
Date Tasted: December 22nd, 2012

Tasting Notes: Lean, layered and smoky, the 2009 edition of the Stratus Vineyards' signature blend is comprised of 43% Cabernet Franc, 22% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Syrah, 13% Petit Verdot, 4% Tannat and 1% Merlot. An altogether different wine than previous vintages yet recognizable by its impressive use of each varietal component. The Cabernets provide structure and finesse while the trio of Syrah, Petit Verdot and Tannat provide ample spicy notes on both the intriguing nose and smoke-infused, medium-bodied palate. This is not a "big red" blend but rather a nuanced wine offering layers of plum, blackberry, coffee grinds, green pepper and light tobacco characters.

May not hold and evolve quite like the amazing 2007 and 2005 vintages, though, mid-term aging and development should be expected. Drink 2014-2018.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2012 www.IconWines.ca

On a side note: This youthful wine has thus far only been released to purchasers of "futures" which the winery makes available each year for their signature white and red blends.

Wildass Wines 2006 White - 88pts

Wildass Wines 2006 White (Niagara-On-The-Lake) Niagara Peninsula - Ontario

Availability: Direct from winery here (Stratus). LCBO Vintages
Cost: $19.95
Alcohol: 12.5%
Date Tasted: August 7th, 2010

Tasting Notes: Wildass is the second label produced by (and at) Stratus Vineyards in Niagara-On-The-Lake. Four wines are produced, a Riesling, a red blend, a rosé and this white blend of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, Gewürztraminer, and Riesling.

Smooth and silky, a slightly oily texture in the mouth with complex aromas and flavours of orchard fruits, ginger, nectarine, caramel creams and baked apples. The main character of the wine is derived from the oak-aged Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc with the other varieties adding extra notes of tropical and citrus fruits. Excellent value for the level of complexity on offer. Drink 2010-2012.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2010

Stratus Vineyards 2007 Red - 92-93pts

Stratus Vineyards 2007 Red (Niagara-On-The-Lake) Niagara Peninsula - Ontario

Availability: Direct from winery here. LCBO Vintages. Select private stores in BC like Firefly. California.
Cost: $44 (direct) $50-58 (Private)
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: August 1st, 2010

Tasting Notes: The Stratus Red is the signature red blend from ultra-modern producer Stratus Vineyards. A blend of 7 grapes, the five Bordeaux varietals with Syrah and Gamay, this dark ruby coloured wine offers concentrated aromas of dark cherry, cassis, pencil shavings, coffee grounds, white pepper and oak spice on the exciting nose.

The bone-dry palate with its vibrant, juicy texture offers intense flavours of dark fruits, blueberry, leather, oak and gravel with just a hint of citrus. Bright, ripe tannins are a just tad tight at the moment. We recommend decanting for a few hours if drunk young. This is a fantastic wine that will last a decade or more. Enjoy on its own or with roasted meats. Drink 2011-2019.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2010 (with Hugh Carter)

Stratus Vineyards 2007 Cabernet Franc - 90-92pts

Stratus Vineyards 2007 Cabernet Franc (Niagara-On-The-Lake) Niagara Peninsula - Ontario

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $38
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: August 8th, 2010

Tasting Notes: This Cabernet Franc from Niagara-On-The-Lake producer Stratus Vineyards is as smoky and seductive as a cabaret burlesque review. There are intensely concentrated flavours and aromas on offer in this 2007 vintage release. The nose flirts with caramel, toasted oak, cured meets, vanilla and dark fruits. The dry palate excites with blueberry, oak, leather and elegant, super-smooth tannins. A long, balanced finish awaits.

This wine is built to last and would benefit from a year in your cellar. Enjoy on its own or with grilled meets. Drink 2011-2017.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2010 (with Hugh Carter)

Stratus Vineyards 2006 White - 92.5pts

Stratus Vineyards 2006 White (Niagara-On-The-Lake) Niagara Peninsula - Ont

Availability: Direct from winery (shipping available)

Cost: $44

Alcohol: 13.5%

Date Tasted: March 13th, 2010

Tasting Notes: Candied apricots dominate the high intensity nose whose concentration of fruit and floral aromas rival those of a top quality ice wine. This superb white blend form Niagara-On-The-Lake producer Stratus Vineyards is a compelling mix of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Semillon and Viognier, all estate grown. The winery doesn't list the quantities of each but my guess is that stainless steel Sauvignon Blanc and new(ish) oak Chardonnay contribute the most as you get great aromas and flavours from both.

The other varietals add layers of complexity of which this wine has in abundance. It will open up and evolve in the glass, if you take your time with it and I suggest you do. Enjoy on its own or with a simple white sauce pasta or fish course. Drink now through 2014-15.

The winery offers futures of their flagship Red and White blends for purchase. The 2007 vintage will be released this Spring. To learn more, go to http://www.stratuswines.com/
 - Liam Carrier

Ratings:
LC: 92
HC: 93

Stratus Vineyards 2007 Ice Wine Red - 93pts

Stratus Vineyards 2007 Ice Wine Red (Niagara-on-the-Lake) Ontario

Availability: Direct from winery
Cost: $40.00
Date Tasted: January 1st, 2010

Tasting Notes:  Holy doodle this is good.  If you have been following Icon Wines you will know that I am a fan of Stratus wines in my home town of Niagara Falls.  This offering solidifies that Stratus is a super premium Canadian wine.  If ever in the area I highly recommend this winery.  You will not be disappointed by the ultra-modern tasting room.

The appearance has a strawberry/garnet core.  The nose had amazing strawberry, rhubarb, and concentrated vanilla.  The palate had concentrated strawberry, rhubarb and really good acid.  The finish was very very long.   If you do get your hands on this, when you are tasting it hold in your mouth for a while and see what happens.  You will be pleasantly surprised.
 - Hugh Carter for Icon Wines ©copyright 2010