Inky dark in color with a nice nose of black berries consistent with a Malbec along with some oak. On the mid pallet the wine is a fruit forward Malbec displaying some lovely rich black berries to match the nose. The wine is smooth on the finish with tannins and alcohol well under control. This is a well made wine. I would give it a solid 90. And then I saw the price … $48 at the winery or the 2009 is in the LCBO for $48.20. Wow.
From the LCBO:
STRATUS MALBEC 2009 VINTAGES 307637 | 750 mL bottle Price $ 48.20
Made in: Ontario, Canada By: Stratus Vineyards
Release Date: Feb 11, 2013
13.5% Alcohol/Vol. Sugar Content: 4 g/L Sweetness Descriptor: D – Dry
Tasting Note
Deep ruby. Floral nose hints at aromatic herbs, blackberry, violet, quinine and pink peppercorn. Sweet and perfumed on the palate, with smooth cassis, coffee and bay leaf flavors that linger nicely at the back. Score – 90. (Ian D’Agata, International Wine Cellar, Feb. 2012)
From the Winery’s web site:
The 2010 Stratus Malbec bears the hallmark of Stratus’ collaboration with Viticulturist/Winemaker Paul Hobbs. This Malbec exhibits a perfumed bouquet of blueberries, violets and Saskatoon berries. The palate possesses an exuberant juiciness, softer riper tannins and a velvety textured finish. Almost 19 months in second-vintage French cooperage brings a pleasing oak spice to this multi-layered wine.
