By Zoltan Szabo
2008 Stratus Malbec Niagara Peninsula VQA
The 2008 Malbec spent 22 months in 100% French oak, blend of mostly new and 1, 2, 3 years old barrels. Black raspberry, spicy – herbal aroma nuances give way to underlying vinous, fresh – pressed grape juice and beet – licorice root tones. Medium to full weight and with similar flavor characteristics as the aromas, softly textured and with fresh acidity, well integrated with polished oak notes and gentle tannins just adding to its overall structure and complexity. Great length with purple fruits and blood orange taint. A wonderful red to accompany your spring lamb dinner.
2008 Stratus Semillon Niagara Peninsula VQA
The 2008 Semillon is made from fruit coming from a 7 acre estate vineyard parcel and is the winery’s first dry and 100% varietal Semillon. The bouquet comes with stone fruits, white blossoms and bee’s wax aromas. Opulent with a slight oily texture and with plenty of white – fleshed summer fruit flavours, savoury oak and a neat chamomile tea – mineral kick over its long finish. Try with chopped up lobster, Chinese – style, with ginger and onion.
Contact the winery directly to purchase these wines at www.stratuswines.com.
Read more of sommelier Zoltan Szabo at zoltanszabo.org and follow him at twitter.com/zoltanszabo.
