2009 Quails Gate Old Vine Foch Reserve
Price: $ 45.00 estimate
Available At: Quails Gate Cellar Door
Whether we like it or not, the seasons are changing and with that comes cooler weather, falling leaves and a need for comfort food. It was a slow cooked pot of beef stew that drew my inspiration for selecting the 2009 Quails Gate Old Vine Foch Reserve as the wine of the week. With grapes hand harvested from 46 year old Foch vines and seeing 3 years in new American oak, the Old Vine Foch pays homage to Richard Stewart Jr who planted the vines at a time where commercial fruit trees would have been the better investment. The grape varietal Marechal Foch has a small, but dedicated following with enthusiasts seeking out its wide range of expressiveness. It was through one of these enthusiasts that this bottle came into my possession. The 2009 comes in at 15% ABV and due to its relative rarity, is restricted to sale at the Quails Gate Wine Shop.
Eyes: Medium bodied with a ruby red core
Nose: Complex and brooding with notes of roasted coffee, herbs, pomegranate, cherry, plum and loam. There is a leathery, meaty almost animal character showing through which is reminiscent of Rhone Syrah or South African Pinotage.
Palate: Dry with notes of cherry, butchers block with hints of herbs and cedar. It finishes dark with an acidic pang with an austerity that begs for some animal fat to keep it in line and I would recommend this wine to be enjoyed with nibbles of cheese or a gamey protein like lamb or venison. Its tannins remain powdery and a little green which is interesting but not overwhelmingly enjoyable. Decanting assisted in calming things down and is highly recommended.
Conclusion: This is a wine that needs time in the glass or in the decanter to settle before judgement can be passed. The first tastes were less than ideal however with a bit of air, the rough edges softened and it became much more drinkable. Overall, a decent outcome to a wine that straight out of the bottle, could easily be written off.
86 Points
If you liked this review, check out our coverage of the Spier Signature Series Pinotage