2022 Foxen - Chardonnay Santa Maria Valley Block UU Bien Nacido (750ml)
2022 Foxen Chardonnay Block UU — Bien Nacido Vineyard, Santa Maria Valley
The 2022 Foxen Chardonnay Block UU from Bien Nacido Vineyard captures the cool-climate character of Santa Maria Valley Chardonnay. Grown on vines planted in 1972 and 1973 on their own roots, Block UU draws from Blocks I and O (Clone 4 and RY17) to deliver concentrated, phenolically rich fruit with remarkable depth. Grapes were hand-harvested at night in September 2022, then whole-cluster pressed and fermented over 30 days using native house yeast in 500-liter French oak puncheons, with 24% new oak. The wine aged sur lie for eight months in the same vessels, followed by a single racking and bottling in June 2023. Only 590 cases were produced.
Tasting profile
- Nose: lemon confit, almond, dried flowers, and chamomile give way to a mineral core of gunflint and stony earth.
- Palate: tense yet mouthfilling with citrus glaze, starfruit, and ripe nectarine, framed by saline depth and zesty acidity; finishes mineral-driven and persistent.
- Overall: an earthy, structured Chardonnay built to reward several years of cellaring.
Vineyard & Terroir
Bien Nacido Vineyard sits in the heart of the Santa Maria Valley, one of California's coolest wine growing climates, where marine air from the Pacific tempers afternoon warmth and preserves natural acidity. Vines planted in 1972 and 1973 on their own roots contribute to concentrated fruit with depth and character, reflected in Block UU’s nuanced profile.
Production details
Grapes from Blocks I and O (Clone 4 and RY17) were hand-harvested at night in September 2022, then whole-cluster pressed and fermented over 30 days using native house yeast in 500-liter French oak puncheons, with 24% new oak. The wine aged sur lie for eight months in the same vessels before a single racking and bottling in June 2023. Yield was limited, contributing to the wine’s focused structure.
Food pairings
- Seafood: grilled sea scallops with lemon butter, roasted halibut, lobster, or crab.
- Roasted poultry: herb-roasted chicken or turkey with citrus notes.
- Rice or grain dishes: citrus-infused risotto or mushroom risotto that harmonize with the wine’s mineral backbone.
- Aged cheeses: selections such as Comté or Gruyère that complement the wine’s saline, persistent finish.