Bill Wathen and Dick Dore have been making wine together since 1985, when they founded Foxen Vineyards and Winery at the historic Rancho Tinaquaic in Northern Santa Barbara County. Since that time their dedication has remained the same: the creation of small production, sustainably-farmed, vineyard-focused wines using a straightforward and minimalist approach to winemaking. They seem to be doing all the things right, as they now have an amazing following, and their tasting room has become a Santa Barbara Wine Country destination!
This bottling comes entirely from one of the more prized blocks within the famed Bien Nacido vineyard, in the eastern hills of the Santa Maria Valley. This 2.5 acre portion of the vineyard was planted in 2006, with a steep south-west exposure. This location gets cool mornings, and warm afternoons, making for generous fruit in the wine, while retaining freshness. The steepness of the vineyard helps to ensure low yields, which translates to high quality and intense flavors.
VINOUS 93+ POINTS - "The 2021 Pinot Noir Bien Nacido Vineyard Block 43 is much more aromatic than the Block 8 Pinot at the outset. On the palate, the Block 43 feels a bit compact. Bright red-toned fruit, blood orange, spice, rose petal and lavender are nicely delineated. I would give this a year or two to see if it softens."
This bottling comes entirely from one of the more prized blocks within the famed Bien Nacido vineyard, in the eastern hills of the Santa Maria Valley. This 2.5 acre portion of the vineyard was planted in 2006, with a steep south-west exposure. This location gets cool mornings, and warm afternoons, making for generous fruit in the wine, while retaining freshness. The steepness of the vineyard helps to ensure low yields, which translates to high quality and intense flavors.
VINOUS 93+ POINTS - "The 2021 Pinot Noir Bien Nacido Vineyard Block 43 is much more aromatic than the Block 8 Pinot at the outset. On the palate, the Block 43 feels a bit compact. Bright red-toned fruit, blood orange, spice, rose petal and lavender are nicely delineated. I would give this a year or two to see if it softens."
