2007 Quatrain

A QUATRAIN is a poem or stanza that is always composed of four lines. This hallmark wine is similarly composed of four grape varieties: Merlot 42%, Syrah 24%, Cabernet Franc 19% Cabernet Sauvignon 15%. John Simes, Mission Hill Family Estate’s Chief Winemaker, has carefully crafted the 2007 vintage of this exquisite wine. The grapes were selected from the best blocks within our estates in Oliver and Osoyoos. They were hand harvested, hand sorted, and gravity filled in small lots to French oak fermenters. After extended maceration, the free run wine and a portion of lightly basket pressed wine was aged separately in a selection of French and American oak barrels for 17 months.

Vintage Report

Our southern vineyards in Oliver and Osoyoos enjoyed benevolent spring weather conditions resulting in timely bloom and excellent fruit set. The sandy, free-draining and low-vigour soils combined with precision viticulture to optimize growing conditions and, ultimately, wine quality. Despite the onset of the cooling La Nina influence in autumn, our vineyard teams successfully extended ripening and flavour development into an early November harvest. This provided for exceptional berry growth and ripeness and resulted in excellent tannins and colour.

Tasting Notes

The first things that strikes the nose is an abundance of opulent, ripe fruit, coffee mocha, cracked pepper and sage. The palate drips with red and black fruits, particularly blackberries, black raspberries and plums. The juicy entry of fresh berries is backed up with further complexity in the form of cocoa, red licorice and allspice. A wine pleading to be consumed early, but with the density and power to be enjoyed for the next six years or more.

Winemaker’s Notes