The 2017 Foxen Pinot Noir Santa Maria Valley is a notable wine from Foxen Vineyard, based in the Santa Maria Valley sub-appellation of the Central Coast region in California. This Pinot Noir, with an alcohol content of 13.0%, is produced in a traditional red wine style and sealed with a cork closure.

Jeb Dunnuck, a respected wine critic, reviewed this wine on October 31, 2019, awarding it a commendable score of 91 points. Dunnuck described the wine as having an excellent representation of the Pinot Noir varietal, saying, “I loved the nose of the 2017 Pinot Noir Santa Maria Valley. It just screams Pinot Noir with its spiced cherry, raspberry, white pepper, and sappy herb aromas and flavors.” This description highlights the wine’s aromatic complexity and its vibrant fruit profile, which is characteristic of well-made Pinot Noirs.

Dunnuck also appreciated the wine’s structure and balance, noting that it is “medium-bodied, nicely textured, fresh, and lively on the palate.” This suggests that the wine offers a pleasant drinking experience, with a good balance between texture and acidity. The wine was crafted with 25% destemmed fruit and aged for nine months in used French oak barrels, which contributes to its nuanced flavor profile without overpowering the primary fruit characteristics.

The production of this vintage was relatively limited, with only 3,500 cases produced, making it a worthy find for Pinot Noir enthusiasts. Dunnuck concluded his review by calling it “a smoking little Calif Pinot Noir well worth checking out,” indicating that this wine stands out in its category and is highly recommended for those seeking a quality Pinot Noir from California.

Overall, the 2017 Foxen Pinot Noir Santa Maria Valley is a well-executed wine that showcases the potential of the Santa Maria Valley terroir. It is a balanced and lively Pinot Noir that has received high praise from critics, particularly for its expressive nose and well-integrated palate.