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2017 Foxen Tinaquaic Vineyard Syrah

Not Currently In Auction

Latest Sale Price

November 23, 2025 - $35

Estimate

RATINGS

94Jeb Dunnuck

...complex notes of bay leaf, red plums, candied violets, cedarwood and ground pepper...ripe, full-bodied beauty has loads of fruit, a solid spine of acidity, and a great finish. It's one of those wines that has cool-climate-like aromatics yet still offers loads of opulence on the palate.

92Wine Spectator

Refined and handsomely made, with expressive black cherry and blueberry flavors, accented by grilled herb and licorice notes, taking on richness toward polished tannins.

92-95Vinous / IWC

...powerful, dense and wonderfully inviting. Crème de cassis, purplish plum, mint and wild flowers meld together in an inky, plush Syrah loaded with character.

91.9CellarTracker

90Wine Enthusiast

Deep and dark aromas of black plum and nose-tickling tones of violet and lavender arise on the entry to this wine. Aggressive flavors of boysenberry and lavender meet with a strong peppery spice, and the structure is quite taut.

PRODUCER

Foxen

Foxen was founded in the Santa Maria Valley, in Santa Barbara County, in 1985 when Bill Wathen and Richard Dore started making wine. The winery was named after Dore’s great-great grandfather, William Benjamin Foxen, a sea captain who arrived in Santa Barbara in the early 19th century and purchased the property where the winery now stands. Foxen owns 10 acres of vineyards and makes small amounts of Bordeaux blends, Rhone blends, Italian-inspired reds and whites, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

REGION

United States, California, Central Coast, Santa Barbara County, Santa Maria Valley

Santa Barbara County is not an AVA, but a region just south of San Luis Obispo that includes the Santa Ynez Valley and Santa Maria Valley appellations. Wine has been produced in the area since the 18th century when Spanish missionaries planted vineyards. It wasn’t until the 1990s, however, that producers focused on growing premier grapes for fine wines. During the 1990s more than 10,000 acres of vineyards were planted, and today there are nearly 20,000 acres of vineyards. The region received a big bump in recognition and prestige when the popular film “Sideways” was shot there in 2004. Because the region is affected by maritime weather, it is relatively cool climate makes it ideal for Chardonnay. Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir and an increasingly adventuresome number of varietals are also grown successfully in Santa Barbara County.

TYPE

Red Wine, Syrah (Shiraz)

This grape is grown in milder climates and produces a medium-to full-bodied wine. It is also known as Shiraz, but should not be confused with Petit Sirah, which was developed by crossing Syrah with Peloursin.

VINTAGE

2017 Foxen Tinaquaic Vineyard Syrah