Quails' Gate Estate Winery 2016 Fortified Vintage Foch - 88pts

Quails' Gate Estate Winery 2016 Fortified Vintage Foch (West Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $25.99 + taxes (375ml)
Alcohol: 18%
Production: 507 cases
Date Tasted: December 20th, 2018

Tasting Notes: On the spectrum of Port-style wines, the Quails' Gate Vintage Foch, made from select Marechal Foch grapes and then fortified with grape brandy, falls towards the fruity end of the spectrum, away from the nutty, aged Tawny Ports. Raisin-y cherries and Fig Newton cookies dominate the nose while the full-bodied, yet, fluid palate follows with flavours reminiscent of the bouquet and with added cocoa powder and blood orange notes.

Pair with a semi-sweet desert or simply a plate of dark chocolate pieces. Ready to go now or hold for another 3-4 years. Drink now-2022.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Quails' Gate Estate Winery 2012 Fortified Vintage Foch - 89pts

Quails' Gate Estate Winery 2012 Fortified Vintage Foch (West Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $25
Alcohol: 18%
Production: 394 cases
Date Tasted: December 10th, 2014

Tasting Notes: Marechal Foch makes a natural fit as the base for a fortified, Port-style wine like this tasty, after-dinner treat from Quails' Gate. Foch's unique combination of berry fruit and homey, camp fire aromas and flavours makes a solid foundation for the extended barrel ageing and Brandy fortification which imparts added layers of blue fruit, oak characters and exotic citrus fruit to the intense nose and sweet palate. Drink now-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

Quails' Gate Estate Winery 2003 Fortified Vintage Foch - 89pts

Quails' Gate Estate Winery 2003 Fortified Vintage Foch (Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Limited. Private Cellar

Cost: $25 (375ml)

Alcohol: 20%

Date Tasted: December 12th, 2009

Tasting Notes: This port-style, inky-garnet coloured, charmer from Kelowna producer Quails' Gate Estate Winery is aging beautifully after three years in my cellar. On the nose are developing aromas of prunes, blackberries, coffee grounds and a hint of chocolate. On the full-bodied, sweet palate are flavours of plums, blackberries, coffee grounds with hints of Christmas spice and almonds.

Enjoy as an after-dinner sipper or poured over vanilla ice or for something more savoury serve with a cheese plate with strong blue cheese. Drink 2009-2012. - LC