Foxen Block 43 Bien Nacido Vineyard Pinot Noir 2017
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Jeb
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Jeb Dunnuck
The 2017 Pinot Noir Bien Nacido Vineyard Block 43 was all destemmed and spent 16 months in 43% new French oak. It has the classic minerality and marine/iodine character that's almost always present in wines from this site as well as brilliant blackberry and black raspberry fruits, notes of ground herbs and underbrush, medium to full body, a rounded, seamless texture, and fabulous purity and class. It's a beautiful, layered effort that's up with the crème de la crème in the vintage.
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Wine Enthusiast
Sandalwood and caramel aromas meet with reduced cherry and gingerbread on the nose of this bottling. Dried cherry, dried strawberry and nutmeg show on the powerful, somewhat extracted palate.
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2020-
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Robert
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Santa Maria Valley lies mainly in northern Santa Barbara County, with a small portion of it overlapping southern San Luis Obispo County. It is close to the Pacific, and runs east-west, which means warmer air in the eastern end draws cool air off the ocean in the west, and brings it through the valley. This effect, combined with abundant sunshine, lengthens the growing season. The longer growing season leads to long hang time, which promotes both ripeness and optimal acidity levels in grape berries. As early as the 1970’s, Santa Maria Valley was recognized as being a superior source of wine grapes, certainly including Chardonnay and Syrah. But arguably the top variety here is Pinot Noir.
Originally a domain primarily of growers, including the Miller Family of the justifiably famous Bien Nacido Vineyard, this AVA is now home to over 30 wineries. Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir consistently offers full flavors of cherry, strawberry and raspberry, often accompanied by notes of spice, cola, vanilla and earth. They show impressive balance and elegance, as well as great versatility with food.