Marechal Foch 2021, Bench 1775 Winery

Description from the Producer

Dark Fruit aromas of black cherry, blackberry with hints of mocha and spice. The palate is soft with black cherry, olives, hints of vanilla and spice. Pair this wine with bison, short ribs, burgers, red sauced pastas, duck breast.

Tasting notes and review by Valerie van der Gracht.

Name: 2021 Marechal Foch
Geographical Indication: BC VQA Similkameen Valley
Varietal: Marechal Foch
Vineyard: Similkameen Valley vineyard
Alcohol: 13.2%
Residual Sugar: 0.201 g/L
Volume: 750mL

Appearance: A very dark, rich red with amber highlights.
Nose: At first sniff it is all black cherries then the enticing aroma of just a touch of smokiness followed by ripe blackberries and a little blueberry with an intriguing spice on the nose.
Palate: This wine is rich and ripe and so very smooth. Some pleasant tartness on the finish with very manageable tannins. The spiciness on the nose follows to the palate and is pleasantly lingering with pronounced flavours of more dark cherries, almond and cranberry which add to the velvety, ever so lightly smoky finish.

Quality: 89+ points. Very Good+. 

Food Pairing: Oven roasted beef with accompaniments like horseradish, Dijon mustard or garlic beef dip. At this time of year I would skip the garlic mashed potatoes and gravy and try for tangier accompaniments to match the smoky undertones and the delectable spice.

I was able to pair this wine, thanks to an invitation to the home of a family member, with what I thought was the ideal menu. Oven roasted beef (done at high heat for 7 minutes a pound, turn off the oven, and leave until it’s the internal temperature you choose) sliced and served on buttery, toasted Brioche buns with garden fresh arugula, horseradish sauce and Dijon mustard, along with a chunky potato salad with chive flowers and a tender Romaine salad with a tangy vinaigrette.

Time didn’t allow for decanting the wine this time even though I normally would have. The wine was so delicious and paired so well with the roast beef, accompaniments and sides we just enjoyed it without the extra step.

Although this wine was very enjoyable now it would also be worthwhile putting a few bottles aside for two or three years.

Additional Pairings: Smoked brisket sliders with pickled red onion, wild boar ragu over chestnut pappardelle, and sweet potato and black garlic gnocchi with sage brown butter.

Decanting: The wine was good to go without decanting but nevertheless always a good idea with such a rich, full bodied wine.