Freddy R. Troya

8.9

Caretaker – Pinot Noir 2016
Santa Maria Valley, Central Coast, California – USA 🇺🇸

Overview
A mature Pinot Noir from the cool-climate Santa Maria Valley, an AVA celebrated for its ocean-influenced breezes and long growing season. Even with nearly a decade of age, this bottle still shows charm and balance, proving the longevity potential of well-made Central Coast Pinot.

Aromas & Flavors
Notes of baked raisins, dried figs, and black cherry dominate, with subtle hints of spice and earthiness adding depth. Secondary characteristics from age bring a soft, dried fruit sweetness, leaning more toward warmth and roundness than fresh vibrancy.

Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied with softened tannins and a silky, mellow texture. The acidity has relaxed over time, but enough freshness remains to keep the wine affable and enjoyable to the very last drop.

Food Pairing
Perfect with roasted duck, mushroom risotto, or a simple charcuterie spread. Its aged character also makes it a fine companion to semi-hard cheeses.

Verdict
A pleasant surprise — still approachable, rounded, and enjoyable despite its maturity. While the prime window has passed, this 2016 Pinot shows that Santa Maria fruit holds up gracefully and rewards those who hold on just a little longer. Cheers! — 3 months ago

Craig Matthews

9.3

Dry, light, earthy. Quite nice. — 5 months ago

Kamall

9.1

On the fuller side for Chanin Chard — 6 months ago

Benjamin Hickey

9.5

Super velvety, light to medium body but still very plump. Very long finish. Would drink! — 7 months ago

Jenn Ingle

9.0

Nose - soil, wet stone and petrichor/rainy day. Main flavors - delicate stone fruit like plum, cherry and an after taste of fruit pits. Mouthfeel - silky upfront and the a little bit of acid and zing on the back. Really approachable wine. Don’t sleep on dolcetto! Lovely wine. — a year ago

with Jay

Louis Martin

9.1

Plum, smoky, hint of tobacco, smooth and creamy texture, pairs well with red sauce pasta. — 2 years ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.3

2024 vintage. Consistently one of my fave, affordable California whites with phenomenal acidity and well-repped fruit influences throughout. 09.03.25. — 4 months ago

Dimitris Karyamis

10

One of the best Sauv. Blanc. Really recommend, great value for money! — 6 months ago

Chris Anton

9.3

An amazing Pinot to share with friends and family over the 4th of July weekend. — 6 months ago

Benjamin Hickey

8.9

Very light, soft acid — 6 months ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.0

Deep Ruby color with aromas of dark fruits, flinty spice, floral and oak notes. On the palate flavors of blackberry, black cherry and plum with notes of espresso, cacao and licorice wrapped in oak. Firm tannins, great old world balance with acidity, full body, long finish ends with fruit, oak, spice, and earthy mineral character. — 8 months ago

Jenks

9.0

Apparently this translates to “up all night” or something heeeeeyyyyy — a year ago

Joe Lyons

9.0

Lots of raspberries, some strawberries, great red fruit, very mellow body, good spice and mushrooms…. I love what Foxen does with there wines!!! — 3 years ago

with Michelle

Erica Cessna

9.2

Good and even better with steak — 4 months ago

Erica Cessna

9.3

Saratoga wine — 4 months ago

Pooneet K

8.9

I generally like canary island reds ie listan negro quite a bit. This one veered a bit too austere for me. Some nice refined dark fruit and a lot of peppery herbs. Mouthfeel and finish are slightly thin, but the acid is certainly there and this still feels complete and well made. Just not quite giving enough. — 5 months ago

John Willison

9.1

Blanc de Mer release. New wine. Like Melon Bourgogne with a bit more depth and bite. — 7 months ago

K L

8.9

Ridgewood wine store Portugal rec. too fruity but fine. — 8 months ago

with Matt

K L

9.1

Good! Nice Spanish Kurt wine. Would get again or even try more expensive one. — 2 years ago

with Matt

Michael Chelus

9.0

Apple, lemon candy, dried apricot, oak and hints of peach. Great acidity and balance. — 3 years ago