2012 Foxen Syrah Dry Farmed Tinaquaic Vineyard

The 2012 Syrah Tinaquaic Vineyard Santa Maria Valley lacks ripeness, and is easily the weakest vintage of this cuvee I’ve tasted. Giving up aromas of green herbs, mint, eucalyptus and pepper, it’s medium-bodied and sappy on the palate, with moderate depth and grippy tannin. Hopefully, this will flesh out with another year in bottle, but I remain unconvinced. 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

Foxen's 2012 Syrah Tinaquaic Vineyard Estate is laced with rose petal, white flowers, mint, blood orange and spices. The Tinaquaic boasts gorgeous aromatics, finely-sculpted fruit and exceptional overall balance, all in a mid-weight, gracious style. Today, the 2012 is simply irresistible. The Tinaquaic Syrah isn't huge, rather it is a wine built on total harmony.