Stratus Cabernet Franc Amphora 2020

LOOP LINE TASTING NOTES | The 2020 Stratus Cabernet Franc Amphora is a standout expression of Niagara-on-the-Lake terroir, crafted with precision and innovation. Sourced from Block 1 of the estate's vineyard, this wine is made from Clone 214 Cabernet Franc vines planted in 2001. The vineyard's stony, lacustrine silty-clay soils, rich in limestone and shale, contribute to the wine's distinctive mineral character. The grapes were hand-harvested, destemmed, and fermented in clay amphorae—one with selected yeast and the other with indigenous yeast—allowing for a nuanced fermentation process. After 28 days of skin contact and gentle extraction, the wine was aged on fine lees in amphorae for an additional 18 months, resulting in a pure and expressive profile.

In the glass, the wine exhibits a deep garnet hue and offers aromas of sweet black cherry, blackcurrant, and subtle herbaceous notes. On the palate, it is ripe and dense, with firm tannins and a slight saltiness on the finish. The wine's purity and brightness are complemented by stony, mineral undercurrents, making it a compelling example of amphora-aged Cabernet Franc.

MADE BY | STRATUS

REGION | NIAGARA,ONTARIO, CANADA

GRAPES | 100% CABERNET FRANC

SIZE | 750ML

ALC. BY VOL. | 14.8%