A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon(60%), Malbec (12%), Merlot (12%), Cabernet Franc (11%), Petit Verdot (5%), the 2009 Shotfire Quartage was aged in French oak for 16 months, 50% new. It displays a deep garnet-purple color and expressive notes of freshly crushed blackcurrant, blackberries and cracked pepper with nuances of cedar, yeast extract, dried mint, bay leaf and baker's chocolate. Very big, full bodied and powerful on the palate, it offers mouth-filling warm black berry and mint flavors with medium to firm grainy tannins and crisp acidity, finishing long. Drinking well now, it should remain good to 2017+. Importer: Kysela Pere et Fils, Winchester, Virginia.

A blend of Cabernet Sauvingon, Malbec, Cabenet Franc, Petiti Verdot, Shiraz and Merlot, 2008 Shotfire Quartage has a deep garnet-purple color and warm blackberry and blueberry notes over Indian spices and some earthiness. Full bodied with medium-firm finely grained tannins, it offers just enough flesh, finishing long. Drink it now to 2015. Importer: Kysela Pere et Fils, Winchester, VA; tel. (540) 722 9228