Vineyard: Fox Den

OwnersEd Smith, Sue Smith
Story8 acre vineyard in Green Valley,
VarietiesPinot Noir

Wineries sourcing from this vineyard

Reviewed wines produced from this vineyard

2015 Dutton-Goldfield Fox Den Vineyard Green Valley of Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., pH 3.44, TA 0.68, 490 cases, $62. The 8-acre vineyard sits just above the town of Occidental. Goldridge sandy loam soil. Planted in 2002 to 667, 777 and 115 at the home of Ed and Sue Smith. 100% de-stemmed, 5-day cold soak, open-top fermentation, clonal blocks managed individually and aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 55% new. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Enticing aromas of ripe cranberry black raspberry rose petal, ground cocoa and vanilla. A luscious array of purple and black berry fruits greet the palate carrying over through an intensely fruity finish. Nicely composed, with a satiny texture and well-integrated tannins. The wine was considerably more appealing when tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle showing more fruit and spice in the nose, a seductively soft mouth feel and a seamless character. Decant if you must drink now. Score: 92. Reviewed March 17, 2018 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Dutton Goldfield Fox Den Vineyard Green Valley of Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., pH 3.56, TA 0.58, 576 cases, $58. This 8-acre vineyard just above the town of Occidental is planted in Goldridge sandy loam soil to Dijon clones 667, 777 and 115. This wine has equal lots of clone 667 and 777. 100% destemmed, 5-day cold soak, aged 17 months in French oak barrels, 55% new. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Aromas of berries, musk and earthy flora find traction over time in the glass. Mid weight flavors of woodsy raspberry and cherry are framed by silky tannins. The finish is a bit abbreviated. I wish the wine had slightly less oak overlay. Score: 89. Reviewed November 22, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Dutton-Goldfield Dutton Ranch Fox Den Vineyard Green Valley of Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., pH 3.61, TA 0.60, 654 cases, $58. Vineyard is located at the far western edge of the Green Valley AVA. 8 acres planted in low vigor Goldridge sandy loam soils. Planted in 2002 to clones 667, 777 and 115. 100% de-stemmed, 5-day cold soak, open top fermentation, punch downs. Aged 15 months in 50% new French oak barrels. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Highly aromatic, with notes of black cherry, black raspberry, sage and toffee. Middleweight flavors of black raspberry, blackberry and ripe strawberry are arrayed on a plush, comforting texture. Very juicy and thirst quenching with an uplifting finish. This wine sports the most oak overlay of the four wines reviewed here. Score: 90. Reviewed November 19, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2011 Dutton-Goldfield Fox Den Vineyard Green Valley of Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., 383 cases, pH 3.56, TA 0.62, 383 cases, $58. This 8-acre vineyard is located at the far western edge of the Green Valley on Stoetz Ridge. Low vigor soil and tiny crop. Clones are 667, lesser amounts of 777 and a touch of 115. Aged 17 months in 50% new French oak barrels. · Medium garnet color in the glass. Terrific nose that draws you into the glass with bright aromas of wild berries, black cherries, tea leaf and spice. Super-delicious and captivating, with layers of enticing flavors including black cherry, black raspberry, plum reduction sauce, vanilla and spice. The depth of flavor really sets this wine apart. The oak is complimentary, the mouth feel is creamy, and the lengthy finish offers a refreshing grip. A scintillating wine. Score: 95. Reviewed December 18, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2010 Dutton-Goldfield Fox Den Vineyard Green Valley of Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., pH 3.47, TA 0.58, 356 cases, $58. Released November 2011 but still available. From a new vineyard source previously used for Orogeny wines, planted by Dan and Steve in 2002 and located near Occidental. Clones 667, 777 and 115. Highest natural acidity of all the Pinot Noirs. Aged 17 months in 50% new French oak barrels. · Very aromatic with hi-spirited scents of fresh berry mash, blueberry pie and spice. Moderately intense on the mid palate with flavors of raspberries, cherries and a hint of oak, all wrapped in dusty tannins. Notable for a lively cut of acid on the juicy finish. Very good. Reviewed April 4, 2012 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2006 Orogeny Fox Den Vineyard Green Valley of Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

13.7% alc., $34. From an 8-acre vineyard owned by Ed and Sue Smith. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Racy nose showing aromas of raspberry compote and spice. Complimentary flavors of strawberries, cranberries, raspberries, currants, and hazelnuts with an earthy underpinning veering a little toward overripeness. Hi-strung acidity with mild tannins and a smooth texture. Very good (-). Reviewed February 15, 2010 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2006 Orogeny Fox Den Vineyard Green Valley of Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

13.7% alc., 330 cases, $37. An 8 acre vineyard owned by Ed and Sue Smith on the western edge of Green Valley. · The nose is more typical of white wine showing tropical fruits, citrus and vanilla. Black cherry core with noticeable oak char and tannins, finishing with citrus tang. This one is disjointed and unwelcoming. Reviewed August 4, 2008 WINERY » ARTICLE »