Foxen, Chenin Blanc, Santa Maria, California, 2019

Overview of the Wine

Bill Wathen and Dick Dore have been making wine together since 1985, when they founded Foxen Winery & Vineyard at the historic Rancho Tinaquaic in northern Santa Barbara County. Since that time, their dedication has remained the same - the creation of very small production, sustainably-farmed, vineyard-focused wines using a "minimalist" approach to winemaking. Foxen is named in memory of William Benjamin Foxen, an English sea captain and Dick's great-great grandfather, who came to Santa Barbara in the early 1800s and purchased the Rancho Tinaquaic. Captain Foxen adopted the distinctive "anchor" as his cattle brand, which became the trademark of the winery. Foxen is at home on the history Rancho Tinaquaic with its solar-powered winery, tasting room and 7200 "shack."

Foxen Winery also has ownership in two other vineyards. The 3-acre Ernesto Wickenden Vineyard sits within the Nielson Vineyard and provides Foxen with Chenin Blanc. The Williamson-Doré Vineyard, owned by Dick and his wife Jeanne, is in Santa Ynez Valley—specifically, within the new Los Olivos District AVA. Planted in 1999, it is just under 5 acres overall and includes Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre and Sangiovese.

The winery sources additional grapes from top vineyards in the Santa Maria Valley, Santa Ynez Valley, Happy Canyon and Sta. Rita Hills AVAs. The winery’s location is ideal, not just because it’s within the estate vineyard, but because Bill can be in any of the vineyards from which they buy fruit in 30 minutes or less. This allows him to give all the vines they use regular, personal attention.

Grape / Blend
Chenin Blanc

Origin
Santa Maria, California

Tasting Notes
Dry, spicy Chenin Blanc seems to have stormed back into fashion, but at Foxen, it was never out!  This is a beautiful, beautiful rendition of the grape capturing the intense dried hay, Bosc pear and spice character of the grape. Elegant but also mouthfilling, this is an extraordinary food wine as well as being just a great drink.  Put another way, those bored with Chardonnay’s one-dimensional flavors and turned off by Sauvignon Blanc’s relentless pungency will love this wine.  Bonus feature- it ages very well too!  

 Product size: 750ml