Stratus Wildass Red 2019

The Red is likely to be one of the last you will see of this Stratus label as it has since been eliminated from the portfolio. The ’19 mix is cabernet franc, petit verdot, cabernet sauvignon, merlot and sangiovese for a junior case in point to the Grand Vin of similar blending nature. This 2019 is simple and trustworthy, a wine so clean and focused with a distinct raspberry-ness, tart and faintly sweet while lending its emphasis for acidity to prevail. It’s also a bit tannic, more than other vintages and so there is some structure and power to this one. It may just age a few more years than most might want to give it credit for. Good swan song if it happens to be the last Wildass Red. Put a few aside. What is there to lose? Drink 2023-2027. Tasted November 2023. Score – 89. (Michael Godel, winealign.com)