{"title":"Foxen","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"foxen-chenin-blanc","title":"Foxen Chenin Blanc","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFoxen Chenin Blanc\u003c\/strong\u003e is a dry, old-vine white wine from Santa Maria Valley, California, bottled at 13.8% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Sourced from the Ernesto Wickenden Vineyard—planted in 1966 with what are believed to be among the oldest Chenin Blanc vines in the United States—this bottling earned 94 points from Billy Norris at Vinous on its 2024 vintage, reinforcing its reputation as one of California's most compelling expressions of the varietal.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 13.8%  |  Origin: Santa Maria Valley, California  |  Old Vine (1966 plantings)  |  Winery: Foxen\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFoxen has long championed the grape diversity of California's Central Coast, and this Chenin Blanc stands as a flagship of that philosophy. The fruit comes exclusively from the Ernesto Wickenden Vineyard, where nearly six decades of vine age yield highly concentrated grapes that lend unusual weight and texture. Fermentation takes place in equal parts stainless steel and neutral puncheons, a split that preserves bright acidity while allowing subtle textural development. Aging occurs in 500-liter neutral oak barrels, adding breadth without imparting overt wood character.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e White flowers and orange zest emerge first, followed by lemon oil, ripe pear, and a thread of clean paraffin. A chalky, mineral-driven lift keeps the nose taut and inviting.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is brisk, with vibrant acidity framing flavors of green apple, blanched almond, and peach. Mid-palate, copious minerality surfaces alongside papaya, white grapefruit zest, and kumquat rind. The old-vine concentration adds a weighty, almost waxy texture that distinguishes it from lighter Chenin bottlings.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Long and nervy, with lingering notes of warm slate, chamomile, white tea, and lemon pith. The acidity carries the finish well past the final sip, leaving a clean, saline impression.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Foxen Chenin\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis wine is at its most expressive served slightly chilled—around 50–55°F—in a wide-bowled white wine glass that allows the aromatics to open fully. A few minutes of air after pouring rewards with additional complexity. For cocktail-adjacent serves, it works well in a \u003cstrong\u003eWhite Wine Spritz\u003c\/strong\u003e, where the acidity and mineral backbone hold up against soda and a citrus twist; a \u003cstrong\u003eFrench 75 variation\u003c\/strong\u003e using this Chenin in place of Champagne brings stone fruit depth to the classic template; and a \u003cstrong\u003eHugo Spritz\u003c\/strong\u003e benefits from the wine's floral aromatics and natural brightness.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting a wine enthusiast who appreciates rare California heritage varietals\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePairing at a seafood-focused dinner party or raw bar gathering\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdding depth to a curated tasting flight exploring old-vine whites\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCelebrating warm-weather occasions where a complex yet refreshing white is called for\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Foxen Chenin taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e It is a dry, crisp white wine with layered flavors of green apple, peach, white grapefruit zest, and blanched almond, underpinned by pronounced minerality and a waxy, concentrated texture from old-vine fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Foxen Chenin compare to Loire Valley Chenin Blanc?\u003c\/strong\u003e Loire Chenin Blancs—particularly those from Savennières or dry Vouvray—share the same racy acidity and mineral character, but Foxen's warmer Santa Maria Valley origin delivers riper stone fruit and a slightly fuller body while retaining comparable tension and length.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Foxen Chenin good for sipping neat?\u003c\/strong\u003e Absolutely—its layered aromatics, vibrant acidity, and textural weight from old vines make it a rewarding wine to drink on its own, ideally served lightly chilled to highlight its complexity.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Foxen Chenin made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Foxen produces this wine in Santa Maria Valley on California's Central Coast, using fruit exclusively from the Ernesto Wickenden Vineyard, where Chenin Blanc vines were planted in 1966.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Foxen Chenin?\u003c\/strong\u003e Roasted chicken with herbs matches the wine's weight and floral notes. Raw oysters amplify its saline minerality. Thai green curry finds balance against the bright acidity. Aged goat cheese echoes the waxy texture. Grilled white fish with a lemon-caper sauce mirrors the citrus and mineral profile.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Foxen Chenin come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e Foxen Chenin Blanc is available in the standard 750ml bottle format.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Foxen Chenin worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Positioned as a premium single-vineyard white from some of the oldest Chenin Blanc vines in the country, it delivers critical acclaim—94 points from Vinous, 93 from Wine Advocate—and a level of vineyard distinction that places it well within its value tier for serious wine drinkers.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Foxen Chenin?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe defining asset here is the Ernesto Wickenden Vineyard's 1966 plantings—vines widely regarded as among the oldest Chenin Blanc in the United States. That heritage translates directly into the glass as a concentration and textural weight that younger-vine bottlings rarely achieve. Consistent critical recognition across recent vintages, including 94 points from Vinous and 93 from Wine Advocate, confirms this is not a novelty but a benchmark California Chenin Blanc. For anyone seeking an alternative to the usual Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay rotation, few domestic whites deliver this combination of history, complexity, and sheer drinkability.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Foxen","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44837413224617,"sku":"21287","price":21.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/Foxen-Chenin-Blanc__27359.jpg?v=1730481381"},{"product_id":"foxen-chardonnay-2012","title":"Foxen Chardonnay 2012","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFoxen Chardonnay 2012\u003c\/strong\u003e is a 750ml, 14.8% ABV cool-climate California Chardonnay from Santa Maria Valley's acclaimed Foxen Winery. This vintage reflects a balanced, even growing season that produced a wine defined by brisk acidity, stony minerality, and a distinctly Burgundian sense of restraint unusual for California Chardonnay.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 14.8%  |  Origin: Santa Maria Valley, Central Coast, California  |  Vintage: 2012  |  Producer: Foxen Winery\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFoxen Winery was founded in 1985 by Bill Wathen and Dick Doré in the northern reaches of Santa Barbara County, along what is now known as Foxen Canyon Road. The winery takes its name from William Benjamin Foxen, an English sea captain turned rancher who settled the land in the 1830s. This 2012 Chardonnay is wholly barrel-fermented using native yeast in French oak, a technique that encourages complexity and site-specific character rather than the heavy-handed oak treatment common in many California Chardonnays. The cool maritime influence of the Santa Maria Valley — one of California's few east-west running transverse valleys — allows for a long, slow ripening season that preserves natural acidity in the fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e The nose opens with ripe peach and green apple before giving way to honey, orange blossom, and a subtle herbal thread of sage and mint. A faint toasted-oak backdrop lends warmth without dominating.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is taut and mineral-driven, with stony, almost flinty textures leading into a mid-palate layered with tropical fruit, vanilla, and a streak of citrus peel. Mouthwatering acidity runs through the entire structure, keeping the wine focused and precise despite its generous fruit. At peak, flavors of buttered toast and ripe stone fruit emerge, balanced by a bone-dry finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Medium-long and chiseled, with lingering minerality and a clean, crisp fade. Subtle sweet oak and a whisper of honey close out a refined, well-integrated conclusion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Foxen Chardonnay\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eServe at 50–55°F to let the wine's interplay of acidity and texture come through fully; a light chill preserves freshness without muting complexity. This Chardonnay is best appreciated on its own or alongside food, rather than in cocktails, given its nuanced, Burgundian profile. It pairs exceptionally well with roasted chicken with herb butter, pan-seared halibut with a lemon beurre blanc, or creamy risotto with wild mushrooms — dishes where the wine's acidity can cut through richness while its fruit and oak complement savory depth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePairing with a seafood-focused dinner party\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting to a Burgundy enthusiast curious about California cool-climate Chardonnay\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCellaring as a library vintage to explore how Santa Maria Valley Chardonnay evolves\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eServing alongside a multi-course autumn or holiday meal\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Foxen Chardonnay taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e Foxen Chardonnay 2012 is bone-dry and mineral-driven, with peach, green apple, tropical fruit, vanilla, and honey flavors underpinned by brisk, mouthwatering acidity. The overall impression is of a restrained, Burgundian-style California Chardonnay with subtle oak influence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Foxen Chardonnay compare to Au Bon Climat Chardonnay?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both wineries are rooted in Santa Maria Valley and share a Burgundian philosophy, but Foxen tends toward a slightly more textural, opulent style due to its native-yeast barrel fermentation. Au Bon Climat generally leans leaner and more overtly austere, though both stand apart from heavily oaked California Chardonnays.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Foxen Chardonnay good for sipping neat?\u003c\/strong\u003e Absolutely — its layered minerality, balanced acidity, and complex fruit make it a compelling stand-alone sipper, especially at a light chill of around 50–55°F.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Foxen Chardonnay made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Foxen Chardonnay is produced at Foxen Winery in the Santa Maria Valley of Santa Barbara County on California's Central Coast, a region prized for its cool, ocean-influenced growing conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Foxen Chardonnay?\u003c\/strong\u003e Roasted chicken with herbs complements the wine's subtle oak; pan-seared white fish works with its minerality; creamy pasta or risotto matches its richness; aged Gruyère highlights its nutty barrel character; and crab cakes play off its citrus acidity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Foxen Chardonnay come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e The Foxen Chardonnay 2012 is available in the standard 750ml bottle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Foxen Chardonnay worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Foxen Chardonnay 2012 positions as a mid-premium California Chardonnay, and its native-yeast barrel fermentation, cool-climate origin, and Burgundian complexity represent strong value compared to similarly styled wines from more heavily marketed producers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Foxen Chardonnay?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat sets this 2012 apart is the convergence of place and process: Santa Maria Valley's long, cool growing season delivered grapes with exceptional natural acidity, and Foxen's commitment to native-yeast barrel fermentation preserved vineyard character rather than layering on winemaker intervention. The result is a Chardonnay that tastes unmistakably Californian in its fruit generosity yet structurally aligned with the precision of white Burgundy. For drinkers tired of one-dimensional, over-oaked Chardonnays, the 2012 Foxen offers a compelling argument that the Central Coast can produce wines of real finesse and mineral depth.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Foxen","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44837518311593,"sku":"22085","price":31.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/Foxen-Chardonnay__03071.jpg?v=1730485186"}],"url":"https:\/\/theliquorbarn.com\/collections\/foxen.oembed","provider":"The Liquor Barn","version":"1.0","type":"link"}