Foxen Pinot Noir "John Sebastiano Vineyard 2021

Alcohol: 13,8%

Grape(s): 100% Pinot Noir

Localization: Sta. Rita Hills, Santa Barbara, Central Coast, California, USA

Tasting Notes: Although planted in 2007, John Sebastiano Vineyard struggled to develop over the course of its infancy. Since its first vintage in 2010, the team at Foxen has been playing hopscotch in the vineyard, feeling out where they think the best Pinot Noir sites (of 50+ on the property) are right. They finally settled into a few blocks on top of the canyon with south/southwest exposure and limestone outcroppings. This wine is the culmination of our investigative years and shows all the trademark elements typical of this vineyard. It is a classic vintage in the Sta. Rita Hills. Lavender, sage, red fruit, mulberry, and baking spices.

The Domain: 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 then, their dedication has remained the same - creating 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 of Rancho Tinaquaic with its solar-powered winery, tasting room, and 7200 "shack."