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!
Arguably the most famous vineyard in Santa Barbara County, Bien Nacido is one of the coolest wine growing climates in California, the terrain is a combination of rocky soils and ocean influence, and receives a steady wash of cool marine air and warm afternoons. This makes for generous fruit in the wine, while retaining freshness and intense flavors. These Chardonnay vines were originally planted in 1973 on its own roots in Block UU at the eastern edge of the Bien Nacido Vineyard. The grapes are hand-harvested grapes are gently whole-cluster pressed and fermented 100% in barrel.
This vineyard has been named one of the "Top Grand Cru Vineyards in California" by Wine Enthusiast, and one of the "Top Five California Vineyards" by the Wall Street Journal! Plus, this is a SIP Certified (Sustainability In Practice) vineyard.
ANTONIO GALLONI 95 POINTS - "The 2023 Chardonnay Bien Nacido Vineyard Block UU is alive in the glass, tingling on the tongue with fresh, saline acidity and citrus-zest-inflected fruit. Orange pith, green apple, lemon oil and white flowers settle in first, later accented by more savory undertones. the. Unfussy, direct and absolutely finessed, the 2023 is a beautiful wine in every way."
Arguably the most famous vineyard in Santa Barbara County, Bien Nacido is one of the coolest wine growing climates in California, the terrain is a combination of rocky soils and ocean influence, and receives a steady wash of cool marine air and warm afternoons. This makes for generous fruit in the wine, while retaining freshness and intense flavors. These Chardonnay vines were originally planted in 1973 on its own roots in Block UU at the eastern edge of the Bien Nacido Vineyard. The grapes are hand-harvested grapes are gently whole-cluster pressed and fermented 100% in barrel.
This vineyard has been named one of the "Top Grand Cru Vineyards in California" by Wine Enthusiast, and one of the "Top Five California Vineyards" by the Wall Street Journal! Plus, this is a SIP Certified (Sustainability In Practice) vineyard.
ANTONIO GALLONI 95 POINTS - "The 2023 Chardonnay Bien Nacido Vineyard Block UU is alive in the glass, tingling on the tongue with fresh, saline acidity and citrus-zest-inflected fruit. Orange pith, green apple, lemon oil and white flowers settle in first, later accented by more savory undertones. the. Unfussy, direct and absolutely finessed, the 2023 is a beautiful wine in every way."
