The 2008 Chardonnay Tinaquaic displays loads of citrus, white currants, hints of tropical fruit blossoms and lemon zest, as well as some spice, in a medium-bodied, fresh, lively, vibrant style. I don’t like it as much as their Steel Cut, but it is very good Chardonnay to drink over the next 1-2 years. This is one of my favorite wineries in Santa Maria. Proprietors Bill Wathen and Dick Dore have been making wines at Foxen since 1985. There is some serious history as well, as one of Dick Dore’s ancestors was a retired English sea captain who settled in Santa Barbara in the early 1800s, hence the nautical symbols embedded in the labels. Foxen is one of the few wineries in California that has not abandoned one of the best grapes in the world, Chenin Blanc. This grape can produce wonderful wines from this region when handled properly. Four brilliant Pinot Noirs have emerged from Foxen in what could have been a very challenging vintage. These are some of the best examples of Pinot Noir I tasted from this vintage. P.S. All of these wines from Bill Wathen and Dick Dore are bottled “delicately,” without fining or filtration. Tel. (805) 937-4251