Quails' Gate Estate Winery 2017 Old Vines Foch Reserve - 91pts

Quails' Gate Estate Winery 2017 Old Vines Foch Reserve (West Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $46.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 361 cases
Date Tasted: November 25th, 2019

Tasting Notes: Opens with a nose to dive deep into and stay awhile to explore around a little. You'll discover a seductive blend of Kirsch liqueur, cocoa nibs, sweet salami and the pleasing, familiar notes of Christmas cake with its dried, candied fruit. The dry palate is uber food-friendly with well-balanced acidity, mannered tobacco-leaf tannins and similar notes as the nose. Pair with braised venison or other gamey meats at your next special holiday dinner.

Now sealed with a Stelvin cap which will prolong the ageing process, but not completely stifle it. Ready to go now or hold for some development. Drink 2019-2025.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Quails' Gate Estate Winery 2017 Old Vines Foch - 87pts

Quails' Gate Estate Winery 2017 Old Vines Foch (West Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $25.99
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 2800 cases
Date Tasted: November 22nd, 2019

Tasting Notes: Be sure to take your time to appreciate the beautiful, feminine nose of this Marechal Foch and look for a harmonious blend of ripe, dark cherry fruit and savoury characters of vanilla mocha, anise, smoky spices, sweet prune and poppy seeds. A mouth-watering and dry palate follows offering a similar blend of flavours enhanced by tart red fruit, dried fruit notes and finished with dusty tannins. Ready to go now. Drink now-2023.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

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 2016 Old Vines Foch - 88pts

Quails' Gate Estate Winery 2016 Old Vines Foch (West Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $24.99
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 2809 cases
Date Tasted: November 27th, 2018

Tasting Notes: A consistently well-made and intense example of Foch with a unique combination of smokey dark fruit, exotic spices, wild berry acidity, astringent tannins and a touch of Kirsch liqueur on the spice-laced finish. Pair with venison or lean cuts of beef dressed in a spicy jus or sauce. Drink now-2021.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Quails' Gate Estate Winery 2016 Old Vines Foch Reserve - 91pts

Quails' Gate Estate Winery 2016 Old Vines Foch Reserve (West Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $46.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 1424 cases
Date Tasted: October 30th, 2018

Tasting Notes: I'm not sure your nose will ever come across a more intriguing and seductive wine than the Quails' Gate Old Vines Foch with its unique combination of smoky Kirsch liqueur, aromatic potpourri, blackberry and Christmas cake aromas. This Foch is less intense on its medium-plus bodied palate, a perception somewhat skewed by comparison to the enormity of its gorgeous bouquet, yet, there is a palatable vibrancy thanks to pomegranate and dark cherry flavours and acidity. 

Recommended as a fun alternative to accompany Pinot Noir-friendly dishes like game and meaty stews. Drink now-2021.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Quails' Gate Estate Winery 2015 Old Vines Foch - 88pts

Quails' Gate Estate Winery 2015 Old Vines Foch (West Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $24.99
Alcohol: 14%
Production: 3750 cases
Date Tasted: January 31st, 2018

Tasting Notes: The nose of this old vines Foch is graced with smoked coffee, spiced plum, black cherry and raspberry aromas which transmit a unique, intriguing signature, not easily duplicated. The compelling ensemble continues through to the similarly flavoured, mouth-watering palate where cranberry acidity balanced the smokey notes and vanilla-toasted oak. Spice lingers on the moderate finish. Drink now-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Quails' Gate Estate Winery 2015 Old Vines Foch Reserve - 90pts

Quails' Gate Estate Winery 2015 Old Vines Foch Reserve (West Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $46.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: December 13th, 2017

Tasting Notes: Always one of the most beautifully scented wines every year, the 2015 edition of the Old Vines Foch Reserve offers a seductive, aromatic and perfumed nose of sweet, candied cherries, potpourri, Christmas cake spice, Kirsch and smoked vanilla aromas.

This year's palate is not as full-bodied as recent vintages, with more prominent, cranberry acidity and tangy berry flavours and a touch of mineral on the otherwise oak and spice-kissed finish. Ready to go now with little decanting. Will make a fun alternative to Pinot Noir for your next duck or game dish. Drink now-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

Quails' Gate Estate Winery 2014 Old Vines Foch - 88pts

Quails' Gate Estate Winery 2014 Old Vines Foch (West Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $22
Alcohol: 14.5%
Production: 3750 cases
Date Tasted: December 22nd, 2016

Tasting Notes: Quail's Gate produces 3 wines from its older Marechal Foch plantings; a fortified wine, a beautiful reserve wine and this drink-now, table wine. As a table wine, this Foch lacks the refinement and smoothness of its reserve-tier cousin, but answers the "and now for something different" call you yearn to place, from time-to-time, when looking for an alternate companion for roasts or steak dinners. 

It brings a wildness and funkiness to the table not found in other varieties, or even other hybrids, with an intriguing combination of brambly blue fruit, earth tones, spicy cured meats and potpourri. Fresh and lively with spice and raspberry seed flavours on the moderate finish. Drink now-2019.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca

Quails' Gate Estate Winery 2014 Old Vines Foch Reserve - 90pts

Quails' Gate Estate Winery 2014 Old Vines Foch Reserve (West Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $45
Alcohol: 14.5%
Production: 1550 cases
Date Tasted: October 16th, 2016

Tasting Notes: Be sure to spend some time appreciating the beautiful nose of this reserve-tier, Marechal Foch before taking a sip. Warm, dense aromas of smoky potpourri, vanilla-mocha, spicy plum and cherry liqueur will put a smile on your face instantly. The full-bodied, creamy palate follows with a similar flavour profile and an added layer of tangy berry notes which contribute levity and lead-out the mouth-watering and spicy finish perfectly. Drink now-2019.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca

Quails' Gate Estate Winery 2013 Old Vines Foch Reserve - 90pts

Quails' Gate Estate Winery 2013 Old Vines Foch Reserve (West Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $50
Alcohol: 14%
Production: 620 cases
Date Tasted: December 7th, 2015

Tasting Notes: A lovely combination of smoke, spice and flowers. Produced from (nearly) 50 year old vines, the Old Vines Foch Reserve is unique and memorable with an aromatic nose and a creamy palate offering good continuity between the two. A ripe wave of berry and plum fruit breaks through the smokiness to keep the New World palate satisfied. The long finish is well-balanced with fine tannins and wild berry acidity - spice and smoke linger brilliantly. Drink now-2019.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca

Averill Creek Vineyard 2014 Foch Eh - 87pts

Averill Creek Vineyard 2014 Foch Eh (Cowichan Valley) Vancouver Island - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $15.99 (including tax)
Alcohol: 12%
Production: 452 cases
Date Tasted: July 23rd, 2015

Tasting Notes: This tasty, cheekily-named wine is made from 100% Marechal Foch and makes an excellent, low-cost option for when you want to try something new and something a little different. Offers some classic and uniquely Foch aromas of toasted marshmallow, Grandma's grape jelly (including the canning wax), candied rhubarb, wild berry fruit and dried herbs. Palate is tangy, juicy and very raw with some prune-y fruit characters, smoke and spices on the moderate finish. Drink 2015-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 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 2012 Old Vines Foch Reserve - 91pts

Quails' Gate Estate Winery 2012 Old Vines Foch Reserve (West Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $40
Alcohol: 14.5%
Production: 1200 cases
Date Tasted: November 20th, 2014

Tasting Notes: With a wine made from fruit harvested from 48 year old Marechal Foch vines, you might expect a unique, even exotic experience, and here, Quails' Gate delivers, yet, it's a familiar  uniqueness. Think BC Cabernet Franc mixed with the ambiance of a camp site (smoke, singed wood, BBQ meats, mulled wine, burnt marshmallows, the works).

The creamy, jammy palate offers good continuity from the palate with an emphasis on the berry and spicy plum fruit flavours which carry through to the long, balanced finish. Older vines generally produce more concentrated fruit (tough, less of it) and this wine oozes concentration. That stated, mannered tannins and acidity suggest this wine would be best appreciated in its youth or within the next 2-3 years. Drink now-2017.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

Sperling Vineyards 2009 Old Vines Foch - 88pts

Sperling Vineyards 2009 Old Vines Foch (East Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery and VQA stores
Cost: $26
Alcohol: 13.2%
Production: 99 cases
Date Tasted: August 1st, 2011

Tasting Notes: Only a few vineyards of Foch vines survived the post-NAFTA replanting initiative and likely none are as old as the Sperling Vineyards plantings in East Kelowna (circa 1960's). Foch may not have the name recognition that many of the French and Italian grapes enjoy but this cool-climate loving hybrid should be explored due to its unique flavor profile that produces interesting and occasionally, very tasty wines. This example offers ample character on the nose and palate with mocha chocolate, cedar, ripe blueberry jam and campfire roasted marshmallow flavours and aromas. Pair with smoky, BBQ sausages to bring out the rustic elements of this wine. Drink 2011-2014.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Oak Bay Estate Winery 2009 Marechal Foch - 88pts

Oak Bay Estate Winery 2009 Marechal Foch (Kelowna) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $19.50
Alcohol: 13%
Date Tasted: April 29th, 2011

Tasting Notes: Marechal Foch is a French hybrid grape developed in Alsace and imported into Canada over 60 years ago. Today, there are only a handful of vineyards in BC producing the varietal which adds to the mystic of the grape - a mystic that some may experience more as apprehension due to its unfamiliarity with many wine drinkers. When produced as a dry table wine, it can offer a refreshing change from the familiar with pungent aromas of blackberry liqueur, coffee grinds, savoury spice, mint and flavours of dark fruit, earthy mushrooms, cranberry and black pepper.

This wine has excellent concentration with a full-ish body and transmits the enhancement of its oak treatment well. Enjoy this wine with a savoury, dry spice rub steak. Drink 2011-2014.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Averill Creek Vineyard 2008 Prevost - 86pts

Averill Creek Vineyard 2008 Prevost (Cowichan Valley) Vancouver Island - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $19.90 (BC), $25.95 (AB)
Alcohol: 12%
Production: 1100 cases
Date Tasted: December 31st, 2010

Tasting Notes: The nose of this Marechal Foch dominated blend is fresh and intense with field berry, chocolate, light oak, prune and rustic earth aromas which spill out of the glass. The cool and wet 2008 growing season has robbed the wine of equally intense flavours on the dry and acidic palate. This is a wine that would be best served with food as the right pairing will bring out the rustic berry fruit flavours delivering a unique drinking experience. Drink 2011-2012.

 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 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

Godfrey Brownell Vineyards 2004 William Maltman - 88pts

Godfrey Brownell Vineyards 2004 William Maltman's Double Red (Cowichan Valley) Vancouver Island - BC

Decanted: 4hrs

Cost: $22 (Direct from winery)

Date Tasted: September 5th, 2009

Tasting Notes: This is the most popular wine that Cowichan Valley producer Godfrey-Brownell makes and its most distinctive. A blend of Marechal Foch and Gamay Noir, this wine has a dark garnet colour and dark fruit nose with roasted marshmallow notes. A full-bodied wine with medium tannins that will make an interesting change to the more familiar Meritage blends widely available and should pair nicely with full-flavour dishes like steak.

Named for the proprietor's uncle, this is an interesting blend well worth the drive to visit the winery. - LC

Averill Creek Vineyard 2007 Prevost - 85pts

Averill Creek Vineyard 2007 Prevost (Cowichan Valley) Vancouver Island - BC

Availability: Direct from winery. VQA stores

Cost: $22

Date Tasted: September 5th, 2009

Tasting Notes: Named for the mountain on whose lower slopes the winery rests, this is a sly take on a Bordeaux-style blend. Made of 85% Marechal Foch, 10% Merlot and 5% Marechal-Cabernet Sauvignon hybrid, this wine shows many characteristics of a Meritage blend: dark-ruby colour, berry, licorise and tobacco flavours. This is full-bodied wine with soft tannins and acidity that would pair well with steak and other full-flavour dishes. - LC

SKU: 581140