Bill Wathen and Dick Dore have been making world-class wine at Foxen Winery in the Santa Ynez Valley since 1985. Their "rustic" tasting room is shown at right. Foxen Vineyards has been receiving much attention from the wine writers, especially in the last few years. Their wines consistently earn top scores from both the Wine Spectator and Robert Parker. Ratings for the wines in this offering are not yet in. We did taste them at our seminar on February 8 and found them to be the equal of the 2004 vintage, if not better.

2005 is a banner vintage for California and the Foxen wines can certainly lead the way. This year's releases are at an all-time high in interest and demand. Trying to allocate rare wine can become extremely complicated. We have decided to put together two combo packs for this "near futures" offering.

Combo #1 - 3 of each of the wines described below.
List price - $624.00 Duke's price - $579.00

Combo #2 - 2 of each of the wines described below.
List price - $416.00 Duke's price - $386.00

Foxen 2005 Pinot Noir, Sea Smoke Vineyard
(List price - $75.00 - Available 07/07)
Foxen is the only winery, other than Sea Smoke Cellars itself, with access to Sea Smoke fruit. We could run out of superlatives trying to describe this wine, so we won't even try. Parker and the Wine Spectator gave the 2004 vintage 96 and 94 points, respectively (and respectfully, too, we bet). When we tasted it at our seminar last week, it was deep, full and a little more approachable at this time than the 2004 wine was at the same time last year. Do not miss out on your chance to obtain this magnificent wine!

Foxen 2005 Pinot Noir, Bien Nacido Vineyard, Block 8
(List price - $54.00 - Available 07/07)
Here is another blockbuster Pinot Noir from the capable wine-making hands of the Foxen team. Full and rich like the Sea Smoke we tasted, this is a fabulous Pinot Noir with loads of stuffing. While the wine has not yet been reviewed by the critics, the scores from previous years closely follow the Sea Smoke scores, so you know what to expect from the new vintage. Our opinion is that it should rank shoulder to shoulder with its Sta. Rita Hills relative and will be rated very highly.

Foxen 2003 Foothills Reserve
(List price - $35.00 - Available now if you want, but can be held until the remainder of your order arrives.)
You may remember the Duke's offering a previous vintage of this blend of Cabernet Franc and Merlot and referring to it as the Cheval Blanc of the Central Coast. This vintage more than lives up to the previous offering! We (and a couple hundred members of our Wine Association) had the chance to taste it at our recent seminar and were reminded that the Central Coast is producing top-notch Bordeaux varietals as well as their famous Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays. Merlot fans will love this wine!

Foxen 2005 Syrah, Williamson-Dore Vineyard
(List price - $44.00 - Available 07/07)
This is, simply put, a great wine! Made from grapes grown around Dick's home, this Syrah is earning high marks from the critics, too. In fact, recent vintages have earned 90+ scores. This delicious wine was also sampled at our recent seminar to raves from the assembled multitude. It is rich, deep and luscious with an abundance of sweet fruit flavor in the aftertaste. As this fairly young vineyard matures, the wines are becoming ever more spectacular!

Make your selection and

Call the Duke today!!

Note: Prices are good while our supplies last and we reserve the right to change them at any time without notice.