Ontario Reviews

Stratus 2008 Wildass Red
There are those who are going to poo-poo the 2008 vintage, mostly because it wasn’t 2007 (the best vintage, so far, Ontario has seen) –but if you’re one of those you’re selling this vintage short. This is Stratus’ second label, and to some, inappropriately named for this “posh” winery, but that is a debate for another day. All the reds grapes that Stratus grows find there way into this bottle, 11 in total: Cabernets Franc and Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Malbec, Gamay, Syrah, Tempranillo, Sangiovese, Tannat and Mourvedre … After that laundry list I feel I have no time to tell you about the wine, but for a wine this interesting I’ll make some time – as I hope you will. There is a simplicity to this wine that you wouldn’t expect from a blend with so many grapes involved, yet there is also a certain elegance that brings everything together with each sip. The nose is cherry and spice, which follows on the palate with some nice peppered notes – it’s a light and easy wine with a decent amount of complexity (if you are willing to indulge yourself) thanks to all the players involved. Sip and savour, or grab and gulp … because the wine is from Stratus you expect the first, but with a name like Wildass you’re allowed to do both. Price: $19.95 – Rating: **** ½
2008
Red
Red Blend
4.5
$19.95
Niagara Peninsula
at Stratus winery and www.wildasswines.com
http://www.stratuswines.com
2011-06-09

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