Oregon and Marechal Foch fans: what have I got?

Bro n sis in law just sent me a 2004 Willamette Valley Marechal Foch (reserve) and a Pinot Noir from Pheasant Court winery in Philomath, Oregon. Anyone have any experience with this small family winery? I'm looking forward to my first Marechal Foch! Thanks, Jim

I'm not very familiar with Oregon wineries, but I've had many NY and Ontario Foches over the years and I've made quite a bit myself. They can turn your tongue purple . Depending on when it was harvested it can be anything from silky to racy acidity, deep colored, not exceptionally tannic, with berry-like black fruit aromas. Generally a good food match for Pot Roast and the like.

Jim, I have never tried that particular Foch before, but if it's anything like British Columbia's Quails' Gate Old Vines Foch, then you can expect an inky-dark purple wine with a ruby core and a plummy/minerally/gamey aromatic interplay (here in the East, Foch typically produces wines redolent of smoky black cherry in addition to its classic gamey/well-water aromas). It might be oaky, but that of course depends on the winery itself. I like a fair bit of oak in my Foch, though I still prefer that it be on the oak-as-spice-not-sauce side of things.

Please do report back once you've tried it!

PS I love MF!! Tasting note please.

High five, Bob!!

What a nice gift!

I love Marechal Foch but haven't had any since I was last home (Finger Lakes/Western NY) on an extended visit. Will have to go looking.

[Jenise]

Jim, I remember the first Quail's Gate MF I had reminding me of raw beets and terra cotta clay pots. Iron, in other words. Can't begin to predict what an Oregonian would get out of the grape, but it sounds like you have an interesting wine experience ahead of you. You definitely must post a TN.