2011 Foxen Pinot Noir Bien Nacido Vineyard Block 8
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Tasting notes
(75% new French oak): Bright ruby. Powerful, heady aromas of dark berry preserves, vanilla, mocha and woodsmoke. Opulent and emphatically fruity, offering black raspberry and vanilla bean flavors that coat the palate. What this pinot lacks in delicacy it makes up for with heft and decadent fruit. Finishes sweet, smoky and long, with a strong echo of vanilla. Fans of large-scaled pinot will go nuts for this one, while those in the proverbial pursuit of balance will no doubt demur; I suspect that both camps will disagree with my score.
Critic scores
Average Score
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Josh Raynolds
More reviews and scores
More structured and broad, with a big frame that should fill in with another year or three in the cellar, the 2011 Pinot Noir Block 8 – Bien Nacido Vineyard has the crushed rock-like minerality that’s a hallmark for the vineyard as well as notions of white pepper, dried underbrush and spice-laced red fruits. Medium-bodied, firm and tight, it should have a graceful evolution through 2023. Drink 2016-2023+. This was a classy, character filled lineup of wines by the folks at Foxen. Tel. (805) 937-4251; www.foxenvineyard.com
The 2011 Pinot Noir Bien Nacido Vineyard Block 8 is beautifully layered from start to finish. Dark red fruits meld into sweet floral and balsamic notes as the wine opens up in the glass. Medium in body and beautifully textured on the palate, the 2011 is all about polish. This is another terrific showing. Best of all, the 2011 will offer tremendous pleasure right out of the gate.