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
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
A barrel selection featuring a medley of Heritage and Dijon clones planted in 1996, the 2021 Pinot Noir Bien Nacido Vineyard Block 8 is a highlight among Foxen's Santa Maria Valley offerings. On the nose, it exudes the signature red-fruited, savory, spice-tinged nature of Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir with impressive fidelity. The palate is silky and lifted yet amply concentrated, concluding with a powerful finish that brings together fruit purity, savory complexity and herbal, citrus-tinged refreshment.
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Vinous
The 2021 Pinot Noir Bien Nacido Vineyard Block 8 is a wild, powerful wine. Black cherry, plum, licorice, lavender, dried herbs and mocha are front and center. The more virile, imposing side of Pinot and Bien Nacido comes through loud and clear. There's real substance and textural presence in this ample, resonant Pinot.
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Wine Enthusiast
The nose on this block-designated bottling is impressive, offering violet and lavender alongside black plum, wild game and dark mountain-herb aromas. The palate picks up an oak-driven angle, giving a smoky edge to the cherry flavors and making for an amaro-like finish. Drink now–2040.
Cellar Selection -
Wine Spectator
Bursting with pomegranate, damson plum and cherry notes, this light-bodied red is backed by light sandalwood and potpourri accents that linger prettily on the fresh finish. Drink now through 2031.
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.