2020 Foxen Block 43 - Bien Nacido Vineyard Pinot Noir

Foxen's 'Julia's Vineyard' Pinot Noir is a complex single vineyard wine featuring ripe dark and red fruits, nuanced oak influences, and a balanced structure of tannin, acidity, and minerality.

Producer

Foxen Vineyard

Region

Santa Maria Valley, Santa Barbara County, CA

Country

USA

Varietal

Pinot Noir

Varietal Composition

100% Pinot Noir

Specifications

2020

Vintage

2030

Drink By

ABV

Vinification

Aged 16 months in French oak barrels (30% new)

Occasional wine note

We were introduced to Foxen at Bouchon restaurant in Santa Barbara by the restaurant's owner, when we asked for a bottle of his favorite Santa Barbara Pinot Noir. At the time we drank their 'Julia's Vineyard' offering and were blown away. It's a travesty that we've waited this long to add Foxen to our lineup, but we picked a good one to start. This single vineyard gem really delivers. Ripe dark and red fruits are the centerpiece here, but the time in oak really imparts all the right nuance and complexity to it, from the vanilla notes to baking spices. The tannin and acidity are wonderful here, and there is an underlying minerality that just completes what is a really fantastic package.

What experts say about this wine

100

Decanter

This is an immensely satisfying mouthful of wine with sweet vanilla oak, black/red cherry fruit, cassis and blackberry scents. The palate has polished black fruit appeal, sleek oak layering, sandy-grained tannins and a pulsating refined finish. A magnificent wine that will doubtlessly develop slowly and surely.

100

International Wine Report

Glistening neon ruby cored with a light pink rim, the Bien Nacido Block 43 Pinot Noir from Foxen is gorgeous from start to finish. Resting for 16 months in about 30% new French oak, it starts off with aromas of freshly cut strawberries, pomegranate syrup, pencil shavings, and white pepper. The palate brings spicy and mineral notes to the wonderful acidity and grippy tannins. A lovely wine and one that I highly recommend.

pairing recommendation