2014 Wildass Merlot – Vintages 376822 – $18.95 – ****+ – Beautifully ripe and juicy red fruit climb out of the glass. This is outstanding Ontario Merlot at any price. The Wildass wines from Stratus set the bar for “entry level” wines in the province. The price of this wine creates a dilemma… Do you save a few bottles in the cellar or do you drink them right now? To be honest, while this may hold on for a few years in a cellar this is definitely designed to be enjoyed right now. This is meant to be served with roast beef on a cold night.
2012 Stratus Red – Vintages 131037 – $44.00 – ****½ – This is a bottle I hope to have under my tree at Christmas this year. This wine is a bit of perspective. While this does cost more than most bottles in Ontario if you compare this to the best of Bordeaux, or California it’s a friggin’ steal. The tannin is firm and this wine does need some time to relax. This is built for the cellar and needs 2 or 3 years if you want to enjoy it young. If you have the patience this should last in a cellar for 10-15 years. Expect Strawberry, Cherry, Blackberry, Black Currant, Cedar and Smoke in your glass. Pair this with an outstanding cut of beef served medium rare.
