"Ripe and focused, with juicy plum, currant and savory meat flavors that remain tight and sleek through the finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Merlot. Drink now through 2016. 12,000 cases made. - HS"
Wine Spectator (November 30th 2012), 88 pts
"The 2010 Shotfire Quartage, a more expensive but more complex wine, is an inky ruby/purple blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Merlot. This delicious red displays notes of plum sauce, Asian soy, vanilla, white chocolate and copious quantities of black currant and blackberry. It is medium to full-bodied, with very velvety tannins (a characteristic of Thorn-Clarke reds) and a heady, succulent finish. This wine sees more time in French oak (about 85%) than in American oak (15%). It should drink nicely for 4-5 years."
Wine Advocate (Issue 201, June 2012), 89 pts
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Good purple-crimson; as is so often the case, defies commonly accepted views about the Barossa's (ie including the Eden Valley) ability to produce high quality examples of a Bordeaux blend; there is an invigorating freshness and lightness of touch to this berry-fruited wine that draws it through to a long, lingering finish."
James Halliday (Published on 14 Nov 2012), 94 pts
"The impressive 2011 Shotfire Quartage is composed of 43% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Cabernet Franc, 12% Malbec and 12% Merlot. Excellent aromas of creme de cassis, espresso bean, chocolate and menthol jump from the glass of this medium to full-bodied effort. Excellent purity as well as personality and a spicy, moderately long finish suggest it can be drunk over the next 2-3 years."
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (Issue #208, August 2013), 90 pts
"Glass-staining ruby. Very ripe but lively aromas of blackberry, licorice and fresh flowers, with a touch of smokiness. Dense, sweet and lush but also energetic, with black and blue fruit, violet and anise flavors nicely sharpened by juicy acidity. Clings with very good authority on the finish, with just a hint of tannins."
- Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar (July / August 2014), 91 pts
"Though the score does not take price into account, it's rare to find an Australian wine in this price range that tastes as vinous, integrated, fresh and zesty as this blend...and from Barossa, for that matter. While the spring in 2012 was warm, summer was relatively cool, and this estate-grown cabernet blend sustained that coolness through a night harvest. This offers powerful cabernet grip, along with the purple fruit of petit verdot and the lovely ripeness of merlot. It's rich without any excess weight, floral, fragrant and lasting. Buy a bottle and you'll probably end up buying a case."
- Wine & Spirits Magazine, 92 pts
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- Australian Wine Companion (Issue 2016), 95 pts
