Foxen Chenin Blanc Ernesto Wickenden Vineyard 2023

Alcohol: 13,1%

Grape(s): 100% Chenin

Localization: Santa Maria Valley, Central Coast, California

Tasting Notes: The wine is bright and lively, and displays notes of citrus, pear and melon, with a long clean “minerally” finish.

93 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The Chenin Blanc Ernesto Wickenden Vineyard Old Vines is creamy, layered and super-expressive. Orchard fruit, mint, white pepper and sage are some of the notes that inform this resonant, deep Chenin. Aging in 500-liter neutral oak barrels works so well here. This structured white from own-rooted vines planted in 1966 is one of the most unique wines in all of Santa Barbara. Drink 2024-2032"

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 Rancho Tinaquaic with its solar-powered winery, tasting room, and 7200 "shack."