2001 Pinot Noir, Fe Ciega
94 points Wine Enthusiast "A gorgeous wine that impresses for its early charm, complexity and ageability. It's delicious now, with the flavor of a black cherry and cassis tart sprinkled with cinnamon and vanilla, wrapped in a smoky-sweet buttery pie crust. Feels super in the mouth, soft and elegant, while a trace of earthy tannins in the finish will protect it in the cellar."
88 points Wine Spectator "Intense, with ripe wild berry and blackberry fruit and cedary oak shadings, this is a deceptively muscular young wine that finished with a long, complex aftertaste. Drink now through 2007." J.L.
Santé Magazine "Very smooth and silky, great intensity with elegant lean cherry and some mineral notes. Mushroom risotto."
Los Angeles Times Food Section, February, 2004 "A more masculine Pinot, with pleasing leather and tobacco aromas and firm acid. This one would be good with cured meats or cheese." Lori Shepler
2002 Pinot Noir, Fe Ciega
93 points PinotReport "Medium-deep purple ruby color; very deep aromas of earth, barnyard, mineral, reduced cherry fruit, and spice; big, full, lots of earthy flavors with a core of black cherry, pepper and spices, moderately tannic, good structure and balance with a long finish. This Pinot is tannic and deep, with a lot of potential for a patient cellarer; it's also very well balanced now and great for a hearty meal."
91 points Wine Enthusiast "Similar to Longoria's Mt. Carmel bottling, but trades a shade of opulence for greater tannins and an earthy, tobaccoey note beside the cherries, mocha and oak. Rich and complex, with firm acids and a silky texture. Serious Pinot Noir. Editors' choice. S.H.
89 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate "Exhibits smoke, chocolate, barbeque spice, and cherry cola-like aromas. Medium-bodied, heady, and tasty, it should be consumed over the next 3-4 years."
Bay Area Wine Project "This is a traditional wine with lots of acidity and structure. It will definitely benefit from 2-3 years of cellaring but it shows its potential at this young age as well. The fruits are typical - cherry and cranberry, with lots of spice and herbs. It shows a purity and elegance that will become even more pronounced as the wine ages."
2003 Pinot Noir, Fe Ciega
94 points PinotReport "Medium-deep ruby color; deep earthy, black cherry aromas with a hint of pepper and spice; big, full, black cherry and earthy flavors with pepper and spice notes, moderate tannins, good structure and balanced; long finish. For me, this is the best Pinot Rick Longoria makes each year - it's deep and expressive of the terrific Fe Ciega Vineyard that he developed in the Santa Rita Hills."
92 points Wine & Spirits "This pinot seems to capture the scent of the chaparral surrounding the Fe Ciega vineyard in its spicy, green herb scent, and the cool desert sands in the feel of the tannin. The succulent fruit retains its freshness as the primary oak fades with air, the aromas opening to a beautiful, lasting desert flower scent. Drink now through 2007 with smoky barbecued salmon."
92 points The Wine News "Initial scents of white pepper and dried herbs are soon joined by freshly crushed strawberry and red plum compote tinged with subtle smokiness and nutmeg. Silky smooth with firm, Santa Rita Hills acidity and supple tannins, offering a tasty interplay of succulent strawberry, white pepper and minerality." Steve Pitcher
2004 Pinot Noir, Fe Ciega
95 points Wine Enthusiast "Firm in acids, with some tannins, yet not at all hard. This is a magnificent, masculine Pinot Noir. It floods the palate with cherry pie, cola and mocha flavors, Asian spices and a sweet, smoky, buttery phyllo pastry quality. So technically perfect, with such structure, it seems guaranteed for the cellar. Drink now through 2010, but who knows how long it will last." Editors' Choice. -S.H.
2005 Pinot Noir, Fe Ciega
95 points Wine Enthusiast "You'd never guess the power from the pale color. A multi-clone blend, it impresses from the first sniff, all pureed ripe cherries and strawberries, leading to a dramatically fruited, fresh, pure and vibrant mouth feel. Should hold and improve for a decade." Editors' Choice - S.H.
90 points Tanzer Newsletter "Medium red. Sexy red berry aromas exude a primal quality, with cracked pepper and cinnamon qualities adding complexity. Spicy raspberry and bitter cherry on the palate, picking up lightly bitter tannins on the back. Gains sweetness with air, finishing with refreshing berry skin snap and impressive length." Josh Reynolds
2006 Pinot Noir, Fe Ciega
92 points Wine & Spirits "Rick Longoria planted the Fe Ciega Vineyard in 1998 close to the Pacific at the cool western end of the Santa Rita Hills. This sixth release from those vines feels plump and rich in its youth with a texture like ripe Volnay. Firm, grainy tannin frames the generous flavors of black cherry, while a refreshing streak of acidity keeps it nimble. Cellar for a year or two and then pour with a bavette steak seared rare." Joshua Greene
Click Here for an article from The Santa Barbara Independent
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