2011 Foxen Pinot Noir Bien Nacido Vineyard Block 43
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Tasting notes
Brilliant ruby-red. Spicy red fruit and floral scents are complemented by notes of Asian spices and musky herbs. A sweet vanilla note comes up with air and gives depth to sappy raspberry and rose pastille flavors. Becomes spicier on the finish, shaped by smooth, harmonious tannins. This pinot benefits a lot from air and should be even better in a couple of years.
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Average Score
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Josh Raynolds
More reviews and scores
Loaded with spice, underbrush, sweet red and black cherries, forest floor and hints of leather, the 2011 Pinot Noir Block 43 Bien Nacido Vineyard has a layered, sweetly fruited profile on the palate with solid tannic grip coming through on the finish. Not quite as structured as the Block 8, it will drink beautifully over the coming 7-8 years. Drink now-2021. This was a classy, character filled lineup of wines by the folks at Foxen. Tel. (805) 937-4251; www.foxenvineyard.com
The 2011 Pinot Noir Bien Nacido Vineyard Block 43 is delicate, feminine and gracious. It has quite a bit less weight than the Bien Nacido Block 8 Pinot tasted alongside it. Freshly cut flowers, raspberries and sweet spices form a beautiful core in a medium-bodied Pinot best suited to drinking over the next few years. Although outstanding, the Block 43 doesn't quite have the distinctiveness of the very best wines in the range. Still, there is plenty to like, especially the wine's open, approachable personality.