2009 Chardonnay Tinaquaic Vineyard

It takes a very serious professional to create a very high quality wine.  Not only do they need to know what they are doing in the vinification process but they also have to have years of experience in the vineyard, in their area, with a fundamental understanding of weather patterns, water availability, vineyard management and a sleuth of economics, marketing, presentation, and most importantly - respect.  This all comes together at Foxen where Bill Wathen produces some of the best wines made in California!

Some of the greatest wine makers, self acclaimed and unproven, are often exposed in time - their wines just can't stand up to it.  A skilled architect in wine making doesn't need to worry about time: Bill Wathen surely sleeps like a baby at night without a worry in the world.  The 2009 Chardonnay Tinaquaic has aged with grace and elegance.  This Chardonnay was analyzed past its 5 year life expectancy and could survive another 5 years.  Perhaps part of the reason for this is that it is naturally dry farmed: no additional irrigation systems are used other than what nature provides.

On the nose is a subtle vanilla bean essence, lemon and apricot notes and a sense of cleanliness.  In the mouth, the quality presents itself and declares, I'm still young and going at it!  Clearly full bodied, fresh balanced acidity, silky smooth with lemon up front, noticeable yet subtle minerality in the mid and peach and orange peel on the finish.

Do not be afraid to age the Foxen Tinaquaic past its recommended drinking period - in time it becomes more elegant, soft, and subtle.  Very quality driven!