2012 Foxen Pinot Noir Bien Nacido Vineyard Block 8

Very dark crimson. Sweet and jewelly fruit at first and then a little like cough medicine. Very concentrated but not quite pretty or fluid enough. It may yet bloom? (JR)

(50% new oak): Deep red. Explosively perfumed, sexy aromas of red and dark berries, incense, rose oil and cola, lifted by a smoky topnote and a hint of allspice. Stains the palate with lively black raspberry and cherry-cola flavors that become firmer and spicier with air. This silky, seamless pinot finishes with excellent clarity and length and sneaky tannins.

The 2012 Pinot Noir Block 8 Bien Nacido Vineyard Santa Maria Valley is pure class, with fabulous purity of fruit and an elegant, seamless style. Exhibiting notions of sweet red fruits, crushed flowers and sweet spice, it shows the suppleness of the vintage, yet has solid richness, a layered, balanced feel and a terrific finish. Completely destemmed and aged 17 months in 50% new French oak, it’s an awesome Pinot Noir to drink over the coming 5-8 years. 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