2012 Foxen Pinot Noir Bien Nacido Vineyard Block 43
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Tasting notes
More burly and masculine, with ample dark fruits, toast, mineral, licorice and spice, the 2012 Pinot Noir Block 43 Bien Nacido Vineyard Santa Maria Valley is a big-boned, structured effort that will be better with another year of cellaring. As with the Block 8, this was completely destemmed before spending 17 months in 33% new French oak. I like the tannin quality here, as well as the purity of fruit, and it should drink nicely through 2022. I was blown away by these new Pinot Noir releases from Foxen, and they’re up near the top of the vintage. Unfortunately, I can’t say the same with regards to the Rhone blends, and these had superficial, mid-weight profiles geared for near-term drinking. As to the Bordeaux blends, these come from the eastern most AVA in Santa Barbara County and are labeled under the Foxen 7200 label. Tel. (805) 937-4251; www.foxenvineyard.com
Critic scores
Average Score
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Jeb Dunnuck, Wine Advocate
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Foxen's 2012 Pinot Noir Bien Nacido Vineyard Block 43 is a bit bigger and richer than the Block 8, with more density and mid-palate, but less in the way of aromatic complexity. Crushed flowers, spices, red berries and mint are all laced together on the supple finish.