Winemaker Notes
Exclusively planted for Foxen in 1996 by Bien Nacido Vineyard, the eleven-acre Block 8 sits on the highest point and one of the steepest sections of this Santa Maria Bench vineyard.
Professional Ratings
-
Vinous
The 2020 Pinot Noir Bien Nacido Vineyard Block 8 is bright, punchy and super-expressive. There's a real feeling of exuberance, mostly the result of a mix of numerous clones planted in this block. A rush of red/purplish fruit, lavender, mint, sage and rose petal lends notable exuberance throughout. There's plenty of immediacy and textural resonance here.
-
Wine Enthusiast
A combination of bright, snappy cherry aromas and peppery herbs make for a compelling nose on this block-designated bottling. The palate is tense in texture yet generous in flavors of rounded red plum and toasted sagebrush.
-
Wine Spectator
A live wire wine, with racy damson plum and red currant coulis notes that keep a steady pulse through the minerally, sanguine-edged finish. Lengthy and precise. Drink now through 2031.
-
Jeb Dunnuck
The 2020 Pinot Noir Bien Nacido Vineyard Block 8 is another wine that lacks a touch of clarity aromatically yet brings solid fruit and richness, as well as balance on the palate. Mulled red and black fruits, spice, loamy earth, and some underbrush notes give way to a medium to full-bodied, balanced, nicely textured effort that will no doubt keep for 7-8 years.
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.