Foxen Chardonnay 'Bien Nacido Vineyard Block UU' 2018

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 - the creation of very small, 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 winery's trademark.

Moving to the two Chardonnays, the 2018 Chardonnay Bien Nacido Vineyard Block UU sports a light gold colour and a pure, crystalline bouquet of honeyed apple, pineapple, citrus blossom, spice, and white flowers. It has a kiss of background oak, but it's beautifully integrated, and the fruit is front and center. With good acidity, a balanced, layered texture, and an excellent finish, it’s already drinking nicely yet should keep for 7-8 years if you're so inclined.

Tightly woven aromas of lime pith, acacia and crushed chalk make for an enticing nose in this single-block expression. There's a great sizzle on the sip, where vibrant flavours of yuzu, sea salt and lemon juice meet with chipped wood in a complex while fresh display.