Foxen Vineyards & Winery takes Pinot Noir very seriously, claiming that if you don’t know their Pinots, you don’t know them. They’ve had a lot of success with the beloved variety, and this particular Pinot is no exception. Planted at the western edge of the Santa Maria Bench, Block 8 is highly influenced by the Pacific’s cool fog and breezes. This allows for ripe fruit flavors and fantastic acidity. Sustainable.

JD95: Moving to the Pinot Noirs, the 2016 Pinot Noir Block 8 Bien Nacido is a beauty that was brought up all in 3- and 4-year-old barrels. Sporting a vivid ruby/purple-tinged color as well as notes of wild strawberries, black raspberries, scorched earth, forest floor, and salty minerality, this beauty hits the palate with medium-bodied depth and richness, vibrant acidity, and a fresh, focused core that's mostly covered by the upfront 2016 fruit. I love its purity and vibrancy, and while you can certainly drink this beauty today, it's going to evolve gracefully on its balance.

VM93+: An explosion of aromas and flavors hits the palate in Foxen's 2016 Pinot Noir Bien Nacido Block 8. Sweet rose petal, lavender and a host of red/purplish berry fruit opens up in the glass. Exuberant, racy and super-polished the 2016 is virtually impossible to resist.