2023 Foxen - Pinot Noir Santa Maria (750ml)
Foxen was founded in 1985 by friends Bill Wathen and Dick Doré on the historic Rancho Tinaquaic, land purchased in 1837 by Doré's great-great-grandfather, English sea captain William Benjamin Foxen. The winery takes its name and anchor logo from Foxen's cattle brand, and Bill Wathen led winemaking for decades before handing the reins to longtime assistant David Whitehair in 2016. The team remains committed to small-production, sustainably farmed, vineyard-focused wines made with minimal intervention.
This Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir blends fruit from two of the region's best-known sites, Bien Nacido and Riverbench, drawing on a mix of clones including Pommard, Wädenswil, and several Dijon selections. Grapes from each vineyard and clone are picked and fermented separately in small, open-top tanks before blending, a method meant to capture the fullest range of character the appellation offers. The wine ages about ten months in French oak before bottling.
The 2023 shows a lighter ruby color, with spiced cherry and strawberry fruit layered over subtle forest floor and floral notes. Medium-bodied and pure in texture, it carries integrated acidity through a long, clean finish with a touch of coastal salinity. Serve it with roast chicken or a plate of soft-ripened cheese.