The 2009 Syrah Williamson Dore Vineyard (includes 5% Viognier) sweeps across the palate with layers of beautifully delineated dark fruit. White flowers, licorice and blueberries come together in this graceful, restrained wine. The supple, silky finish is quite attractive, yet this comes across as needing at least another year in bottle for all of the elements to fully harmonize. The Williamson Dore spent 16 months in 500-liter Hungarian oak barrels, 50% new. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2021. I was blown away by the wines I tasted from Foxen. Low yields, late harvests, fully destemmed fruit and bottling with no fining or filtration are some of the elements that define these exceptional, fine wines.Tel. (805) 937-4251. www.foxenvineyard.com

Ripe and decadent as usual, maybe even more so in blackberry tart, melted dark chocolate and spicy plum flavors with a touch of funky bacon. You can’t help but be impressed by the richness. Saved from being a mere fruit bomb by acidity and lush, smooth tannins. Drink now. ——S.H.(12/1/2011)—— 93

The 2007 Syrah Williamson-Dore Vineyard displays more herbs, pepper, and spice, with slightly more reduced aromatics. Dark ruby/purple, with impressive richness and density, it is somewhat disjointed and not nearly as well formed as the other wines in the Foxen portfolio. There is a lot here, but it needs another year or two of bottle age. Foxen’s lighter-styled, more evolved 2008s are delicious, charming efforts without the density of the brilliant 2007s. However, do not underestimate them.Tel. (805) 937-4251

The 2006 Syrah Williamson-Dore Vineyard is reminiscent of a northern Rhone Hermitage. Aromas of black olives, crushed rocks, creme de cassis, and graphite are present in this full-bodied, dense, chewy, concentrated Syrah. With excellent acidity, sweet tannin, and a stunning finish, it should provide immense pleasure over the next 7-8 years . I hope readers have recognized how gorgeous the Foxen wines have been over the last five or six years. Their individuality and distinctiveness as well as high quality are evidenced in their newest releases. Kudos to Foxen for producing these four brilliant efforts!Tel. (805) 937-4251; Fax (805) 937-0415