Foxen Vineyard & Winery 'Tinaquic Vineyard' Cabernet Franc 2021

Winemaking

Foxen has built a reputation for producing elegant, food-friendly wines from Santa Maria Valley's diverse microclimates. The team focuses on expressive single-vineyard bottlings that highlight the distinct character of individual sites, with a particular commitment to varietal authenticity and balance over extraction.

Tasting Notes

This Cabernet Franc opens with classic red fruit aromatics—red cherry and plum—layered with herbaceous notes and a whisper of green bell pepper that speaks to the varietal's inherent character. On the palate, the wine is refined and approachable, with bright acidity that keeps everything in focus and silky tannins that feel mature and well-integrated. Flavors of cherry, plum, and subtle white pepper lead to a clean finish with a mineral undercurrent that lingers pleasantly.

Producer

Foxen is a well-established Santa Maria Valley producer known for meticulous vineyard sourcing and thoughtful winemaking across multiple varietals. The winery's focus on single-vineyard designations like this Tinaquic bottling reflects a commitment to terroir-driven expression and allows wine enthusiasts to explore the nuanced differences across the appellation's varied microclimates.

Terroir

Santa Maria Valley, located in the cool western reaches of Santa Barbara County, benefits from Pacific maritime influence that moderates temperatures and extends the growing season. The valley's well-draining soils and moderate afternoon temperatures create ideal conditions for Cabernet Franc, allowing the varietal to develop complexity while retaining the bright acidity and refined character that make it so food-friendly.

Food Pairings

Try this wine with herb-roasted chicken or a classic beef tartare with Dijon mustard—the wine's bright acidity and silky structure complement both preparations beautifully. It also pairs wonderfully with a simple grilled lamb chop finished with fleur de sel and rosemary, where the wine's mineral notes and subtle spice echo the herb and salt on the plate.