2010 Foxen "Sea Smoke Vineyard" Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

96 Points from Wine Enthusiast Magazine: "This is the most expensive Pinot Noir Foxen has ever made, and guess what? It's also the winery's best. It bears rich flavors, offering tiers of smoky cherries, red currants, licorice candies, vanilla, sandalwood and spices. What's harder to describe is the sheer beauty of the texture and balance. Containing the explosive richness of a wine like this is a challenge, but winemaker Bill Wathan has managed to bring elegance to its power." (11/1/12)

93 Points from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "One of the unquestioned highlights among these new releases, the 2010 Pinot Noir Sea Smoke Vineyard is beautifully layered from start to finish. Rich dark cherries, smoke, mocha, savory herbs and spices come to life in this multi-dimensional, stunning Pinot. There is a level of depth in the Sea Smoke that is flat-out breathtaking. The integration of fruit and oak is superb. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2020.

I always look forward to tasting the Foxen wines, as they are loaded with class and personality across the board. The Chardonnays and the Pinots are the highlights among this set of new releases, while the 2010 Syrahs can’t quite match the superb 2009s. The 2010 Pinots in particular are well worth the effort of tracking down. Like all of the Foxen reds, they see minimal racking and are bottled without fining or filtration." (8/30/12)

92 Points Vinous: "(15.2% alcohol): Bright ruby-red. Raspberry preserves and cherry-cola on the highly perfumed nose. Offers an array of deep, sappy red and dark berry flavors that pick up spice and floral pastille qualities with air. Tannins come on late and fold smoothly into this wine's plush fruit. A rich yet lively pinot with impressive finishing punch and clarity." (11/2012)

92 Points from Wine Spectator: "Offers richness, depth, purity and focus, with depth and a range of flavors built around dark berry fruit. The most complete of the new Foxens." (9/30/2012)