This is nice, nice, nice. An inky presence in the glass and a spicy, figgy, smoky, peppery, dark cherry, bouquet of aromas. The silky mouth feel and the long fruity finish make this wine very enticing. A perfect warming, red wine for the winter.

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.

Apparently most people say this is beyond its drinking window but I found it really tasty. Colour not fading, minimal sediment and soft tannins have everything integrated nicely.

Elegant and smooth, but powerful with aromas of ripe sweet cherries, cassis, wild savoury herbs, baking spice and a slightly meaty/bloody note. Full and fleshy on the palate with concentrated blackberry and cherry, ripe raspberry, dried herbs and leather with woody oak notes. Terrific balance with grippy tannins and great length. Big and brooding pair with hard cheeses and braised meats.