2013 Stratus White – $38.00 – ****1/2 – The 2012 version of this wine was one of the most memorable wines I tasted through last year. I opened this bottle with great anticipation. I was not disappointed. This is a blend of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and Viognier. Stratus White is the definition of complexity. You can enjoy this wine now without regrets or enjoy having it develop in your cellar over 5-7 years either way you will be pleased with what you get in the bottle. The aromas are tropical with passion fruit and roasted pineapple. The flavours on this wine are rich and complex but at the same time genteel on the palate almost as if asking permission before filling your mouth with an entire fruit stand. Fruit you fine in your glass will range from Passion Fruit, Apple, Peach, Mango, and Tangerine … I probably missed some more here it’s as though the deeper into the bottle you go the more fruit reveals itself. There is a long finish of vanilla and some tropical fruit but the acidity is bright and crisp.
2015 Charles Baker Ivan Vineyard Riesling – Vintages 395921 – $27.95 – ****+ – Bright Lime and Grapefruit and clean mineral notes on the nose and in the glass. Everything about this wine makes it easy to drink. Low Alcohol, Check. Slight sweetness balanced with perfect acidity, Check. Fruit and Mineral flavours also perfectly balanced, Check. The fruit is beautifully concentrated and this is the sort of summer wine you can enjoy on a patio sans food pairing. But, a perfect pairing for this wine is bratwurst and sauerkraut off the grill.
