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“The newest winery in Niagara to hang out its shingle, Stratus Vineyards aims high with its small-batch production of fine wines. Former Hillebrand Estates winemaker J.L. Groux has taken charge of the cellar. A little lighter than the dark colour might suggest, this ripe and round Cab is extremely approachable. The wine’s fresh character, which is overflowing with juicy mixed berry fruit flavours, suggests pulling the cork sooner rather than later for instant gratification...” —Vines Buyer's Guide

There’s an interesting spicy note on the nose that has nothing to do with cool climate Cabernet Franc. It’s a provocative warm spice component that sets the stage for an impressively full Cabernet that makes the most of its raspberry/blackberry fruit and bright balanced acidity.

“Several single varietal stunners have been sculpted so far, including an amazing 2002 Chardonnay Reserve (93) drawn from only four barrels, with refined crushed pineapple, guava, and coconut spice elegance.” —Gordon Stimmell, The Toronto Star

“...blown away by the quality of their Chardonnay. Anyone who knows me can tell you that I rarely get excited over Chardonnay these days, but with one swirl, sniff and gulp, I was knocked over. The wine had a delightful nose of rich fruit, with oak just adding the right amount of complexity. The length just carried on and on...” —Evan Saviolidis, Tidings

“...one of the best gamays I have tasted from Ontario, with exotic spice, smoke and earthy flavours finishing with a slight gamey tang.” —Gordon Stimmell, The Toronto Star

“This is the best Merlot I have ever had from Ontario. The nose is rich and earthy, with ripe plummy fruit, notes of blackberry, strawberry, smoke and pencil shavings. The tannins are firm which will make this beauty age for at least 10 years. It is muscular but elegant at the same time. The mineral component makes it easy to confuse with a ripe right bank Bordeaux. The palate is stunning with the same rich ripe fruits repeating.” Food pairing: I'll be having this with a New York strip done medium rare tonight! —April Kilpatrick Ontario’s Sommelier of the year! Ruth's Chris Steak House, Toronto

Intensely dark gold color with explosive notes of dried apricots, fig and honey. Only a few precious cases left from this first vintage of Icewine.

Deep golden yellow with aromas of caramel, raisin and nuts, as well some honey and tropical fruit character. Well-balanced acidity on the palate with a rich and long finish.

The most limited bottling of Stratus to date, the 2003 Stratus Red embraces our philosophy of assemblage. Yields were drastically reduced because of the severe winter that preceded the growing season. Careful sorting and merciless barrel selection produced a small amount of elegant red wine that captures the essence of the vintage and the diversity of the Stratus vineyard.

A blend of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Gamay, Malbec, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Syrah! Dense ruby colour; cedar, pencil shavings, vanilla oak, plum and milk chocolate on the nose; full-bodied, red currant, cherry, cranberry flavours; well balanced with lively acidity, clean, elegant lines; soft tannins with a firm finish.

Deep gold colour; ripe spicy white peach, fennel and toast on the nose; full-bodied, tangerine, peach, apricot with a grassy note, lovely mouth feel, beautifully balanced with great length to a dried apricot finish. — Beppi Crosariol, The Globe and Mail