PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
The 2023 Foxen Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir is a vivid, fruit-forward wine with balance and minerality—an expressive blend that captures the region’s cool-climate finesse along with energetic cherry and spice notes. It’s versatile, approachable in youth, yet with enough structure to evolve gracefully.
Foxen Winery sources its Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir fruit from notable vineyards such as Bien Nacido and Riverbench, blending multiple clones (e.g. Pommard, Wädenswil, 115) to enhance complexity. In past vintages, their appellation cuvée has consisted of about 50% Bien Nacido / 50% Riverbench.
Vineyard practices emphasize sustainable farming and careful harvesting to preserve natural acidity and varietal character. The wine is typically fermented in small, open-top fermenters (whole-berry destemmed) with individual vineyard and clone lots vinified separately. For aging, Foxen often uses neutral French oak barrels (i.e. barrels previously used, imparting minimal new oak influence) for about 10 months in past years.
2023 reflects a somewhat riper profile than cooler years, but Foxen has aimed to keep freshness and tension front and center.
Nose: Lifted aromas of Bing cherry, cranberry, and red currant predominate, joined by red plum and hints of rose or red florals. Subtle notes of forest floor, spice (clove, cinnamon), and a touch of dried herbs may surface as it opens.
Palate: Medium-bodied and lively. The fruit core will be red berries with raspberry, cherry, and perhaps pomegranate. Spiced oak, cinnamon, and gentle baking spice may support the fruit, with a fine-grained texture and modest tannins. A mineral undertone or saline thread is possible, reflecting the coastal influence of Santa Maria Valley.
Finish: A clean, lingering finish of red fruit, soft spice, and perhaps a touch of earth or forest leaf. The wine should taper elegantly, retaining a sense of brightness rather than heaviness.
| Specification | Details (Projected) |
|---|---|
| ABV | ~13.5 % |
| Region / Appellation | Santa Maria Valley, Central Coast, California |
| Grape / Blend | 100% Pinot Noir; blend of clones (likely Pommard, Wädenswil, 115) |
| Vineyard Sources | Primarily Bien Nacido & Riverbench (or similar) |
| Vinification / Aging | Small-lot fermentations, neutral French oak (10 months or so) |
| Aromas & Flavors | Cherry, cranberry, red plum, rose, spice, forest floor, minerality |
| Style / Identity | Expressive, mid-weight Pinot with red-fruit purity and subtle structure |
Bottle Size: All bottles are 750ML/700ML unless otherwise noted.
21 and Over: Adult Signature Required
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