An incredible, profound Pinot Noir, Foxen's 2013 Pinot Noir Bien Nacido Vineyard Block 8 was completely destemmed and aged 17 months in 50% new French oak. Its deep ruby color is followed by sensational notes of sweet cherries, black raspberries, crushed flowers and a touch of licorice. Medium to full-bodied, layered and multi-dimensional, with seamless texture, this is California Pinot Noir at its finest. Drink it any time over the coming 7-8 years. - Jeb Dunnuck

As succulent as it is constant in very deep fruit and showing the classic velvety feel of top-flight Pinot Noir, this rich and wonderfully polished offering ranks as our favorite of the very fine Foxen lot. It is full on the palate and yet always lively and light on its feet with outstanding persistence and focus, and, while it will hold up famously with age, it is so well-crafted and its varied pieces are so seamlessly joined that waiting will not come easy.

Discreet hints of wood and menthol sit atop a wide variety of dark berry fruit scents where a whisper of Asian-style tea can be discerned. There is solid volume and punch to the delicious and notably supple flavors that possess a sleek mouth feel, all wrapped in a dusty, complex, well-balanced and beautifully persistent finish. There is a hint of backend warmth on this built-to-age beauty but the excellent complexity makes this worth the price of admission. 2021+