Since its inaugural release with the 2005 vintage,
Quatrain has become my favourite wine from Mission Hill, taking into
consideration the quality and price. This is a blend of 34% Merlot, 29% Syrah,
22% Cabernet Franc and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon with maturation taking place in
French and American oak for 15 months with alcohol coming in at 14.0%.
This blend opened up with aromas of dark cherry and
plum, blackcurrants, pepper, clove, vanilla, tobacco and light smoke. On the
mouthfeel, medium-full bodied, intensely flavourful, slightly chewy, balanced
acidity and puckering tannins. Good length on the finish with loads of dark
fruit, spices and persistent tannins lingering. I usually like Quatrain for its
elegance, this 2008 vintage is a little more muscular. My favourite vintage
still remains the 2006, where the Syrah was the dominant grape with 41% and
where maturation took place in French oak only. Quatrain 2008 is still a nice
bottle of wine but as it sheds some of its oak; it should gain more complexity
and elegance. Score 90 points.
Purchased November 12, 2011 LCBO New Release
(218636) at $41.95
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