WINE ENTHUSIAST - APRIL 2010
93 Points - 2007 Tempranillo, Clover Creek Vineyard, Santa Ynez Valley
"One of the best California Tempranillos of this or any vintage, Longoria’s ’07 establishes a new benchmark for the variety. Finally we have a dry, crisp and complex Tempranillo, filled with cherry, red currant, tobacco, spice, vanilla and sandalwood flavors, wrapped into polished tannins. A delicious, medium-bodied red wine to enjoy with lamb chops, game, or even roast salmon" Editor's Choice - S.H. ~~~ view pdf flyer

WINE ENTHUSIAST - MARCH 2010
93 Points - 2007 Pinot Noir, Fe Ciega Vineyard, Santa Rita Hills
"This is a Pinot you have to use your judgment on concerning ageability, because it’s too young now. It’s very jammy-fruity in raspberries, cherries, bacon and cola, with sweet, smoky oak not yet integrated. But it’s a beautifully structured, balanced wine of great integrity, and should develop in the bottle. Best after 2011." Cellar Selection - S.H. ~~~ view pdf flyer

STEVE TANZER'S INTERNATIONAL WINE CELLAR - NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2009
91 Points - 2007 Pinot Noir, Fe Ciega Vineyard, Santa Rita Hills
"Bright red. Highly aromatic bouquet displays scents of red and dark berry preserves, cherry skin, anise and dried rose. Deeply concentrated raspberry and cherry flavors are firmed by fine-grained tannins and pick up a suave, spicy character in the glass. The anise note resonates on the long, spicy, focused finish. I'd hold this one for a few more years." - Josh Raynolds

91 Points - 2007 Pinot Noir, Lovely Rita, Santa Rita Hills
"Deep red. Highly perfumed bouquet offers bright red fruit and floral qualities, with notes of cinnamon and allspice adding complexity. Fresh, energetic and youthfully wound up, with sweet black raspberry and cherry flavors and no rough edges. Leaves smoke and spice notes behind on the long, vibrant finish." - Josh Raynolds

91 Points - 2006 Syrah, Clover Creek Vineyard, Santa Ynez Valley
"Bright ruby. Highly expressive aromas of raspberry, fresh flowers, orange zest and woodsmoke. Vibrant, medium-bodied red fruit flavors remind me of pinot noir, as does the silky texture and note of candied rose. Finishes brisk and sweet. This is drinking very well right now." - Josh Raynolds

90 Points - 2007 Pinot Noir, Rancho Santa Rosa Vineyard, Santa Rita Hills
"Medium red. Sexy aromas of raspberry, orange peel and rose, with a hint of white pepper adding urgency. Juicy red fruit flavors are given spine by nervy minerality and gain sweetness with air. This very fresh and lively wine is delicious now but balanced to age." - Josh Raynolds

90 Points - 2007 Chardonnay, Cuvée Diana, Santa Rita Hills
"Yellow-gold. Fresh peach, honey, nutmeg and smoky minerals on the nose. Supple and fruity but with firm acidity adding spine to the lush orchard and pit fruit flavors. A zesty mineral quality gives edge, freshness and penetration to the finish, which repeats the peach note. I like this wine's blend of richness and vivacity." - Josh Raynolds

90 Points - 2006 Tempranillo, Clover Creek Vineyard, Santa Ynez Valley
"Vivid ruby. Sexy aromas of raspberry, cherry, flowers and Asian spices. Very fresh and focused, offering racy red fruit flavors and showing no rough edges. There's a pinot-like delicacy and vivacity to this wine that's highly alluring: I'd drink it now for its freshness and energy." - Josh Raynolds

89 Points - 2008 Albariño, Clover Creek Vineyard, Santa Ynez Valley
"Greenish yellow. Intriguing aromas of lime zest, herbs, honeysuckle and green tea. Light-bodied citrus flavors give way to richer pear and melon while maintaining vibrancy and freshness. Clean and racy on the finish, with the melon note repeating." - Josh Raynolds

89 Points - 2007 Pinot Noir, Bien Nacido Vineyard, Santa Maria Valley
"Bright red. Smoky red berries, flowers and herbs on the nose. Fresh redcurrant and bitter cherry flavors are supple in texture and complemented by notes of smoky herbs and candied rose, with no obvious tannins. A note of mocha lingers on the persistent, vaguely sweet finish. This pinot could handle richer foods." - Josh Raynolds

89+ Points - 2006 Syrah, Alisos Vineyard, Santa Barbara County
"Inky ruby color. Deep, smoky aromas of singed cherry and plum, with complementary notes of cured meat, violet and cracked pepper. Broad and fleshy in texture, offering sweet dark fruit flavors and solid tannins. Becomes brighter and more energetic with air and finishes with very good clarity and spicy persistence. Give this some air." - Josh Raynolds

WINE ENTHUSIAST - NOVEMBER 2009
96 Points - 2007 Pinot Noir, Bien Nacido Vineyard, Santa Maria Valley
"Longoria has taken full advantage of the fine 2007 vintage in producing this massive, ageable Pinot Noir. It stuns with the richness of black cherries and red currants that have an edge of cocoa and pepper, yet finishes totally dry, with balancing acidity. Best of all is the authorative mouthfeel. This gorgeous Pinot is very great now, and should evolve through 2013. Unfortunately, only 111 cases were produced." - S.H. ~~~ view pdf flyer

WINE ENTHUSIAST - NOVEMBER 2009
95 Points - 2007 Pinot Noir, Rancho Santa Rosa Vineyard, Sta. Rita Hills
"A gorgeous Pinot Noir whose translucent silkiness and delicacy mask a wine of considerable potency. Shows true elegance in the racy mouthfeel and dryness, with compelling, complex flavors of tart red cherries, pomegranates, rhubarb, orange peel, rose petal, vanilla and smoke. Distinguished and ageworthy. Now - 2013" - S.H. ~~~ view pdf flyer

WINE ENTHUSIAST - NOVEMBER 2009
92 Points - 2007 Chardonnay, Cuvée Diana
"Very rich and burgundian, showing ripe flavors of pinapples, limes and peaches, with barrel notes of vanilla and buttered toast. The texture is creamy smooth, while bright acidity makes the mouth feel clean and fine." - S.H. ~~~ view pdf flyer

WINE ENTHUSIAST - NOVEMBER 2009
90 Points - 2007 Pinot Noir, Sta. Rita Hills
"Longoria's basic Pinot Noir shows the crisp acidity, delicate texture, and true varietal flavors that this coastal Santa Barbara appellation gives to Pinot Noir. It feels light and silky in the mouth, yet it is dense in black cherries, blueberries, red currants and cola. Drink now." - S.H.

BURGHOUND.COM - OCTOBER 2009
91 Points - 2007 Pinot Noir, Rancho Santa Rosa Vineyard
"Sta Rita Hills, 14.9%, $45, 112 cases). A primarily red fruit nose also has a touch of the vegetal though it’s subtle and it can also be found on the delicious, balanced, pure and nicely detailed middle weight flavors that are focused and possess excellent finishing energy. This should age gracefully and more importantly, be worth the wait. 91/2013+ "

90 Points - 2007 Pinot Noir, Bien Nacido Vineyard
"(Santa Maria Valley, 14.6%, $45, 111 cases). A ripe and lightly spicy nose offers up red and blue pinot fruit nuanced with distinct herbal aromas that can also be found on the rich, delicious, vibrant and supple medium-bodied flavors that possess a seductive mouth feel and culminate in a lingering and solidly complex finish. There is a trace of warmth but provided that the proper serving temperature is maintained, it’s not intrusive. 90/2013+ "

89 Points - 2007 Pinot Noir, Fe Ciega Vineyard
"(13.9%, $50, 710 cases). A pungent nose that is spot on with what I associate with Sta Rita Hills aromas of freshly turned and very compost rich soil as the vegetal character of that dirt is really on parade. The rich, supple and delicious medium-bodied flavors also display a touch of the vegetal and some may find it more than they prefer. Personally, I find that it adds another element of complexity on the lingering finish. 89/2013+"

89 Points - 2007 Pinot Noir, Lovely Rita
"(Sta. Rita Hills, 13.9%, $32, 249 cases; this is a new bottling that the winery calls “a budget version of Fe Ciega”). A beautifully complex nose features notes of violet, red and blue pinot fruit and very subtle earth and spice hints that continue onto the attractively detailed and fresh middle weight flavors that possess a lovely sense of underlying tension and vibrancy on the sappy and dusty finish. The finish doesn’t quite deliver the same depth as the nose but this is very well balanced and can already be enjoyed though a few years in the cellar will only serve to add interest. 89/2011+ "

WINE ENTHUSIAST - OCTOBER 2009
91 Points - 2006 Pinot Noir, Bien Nacido
"Dry and robust in tannins, this very fine Pinot Noir will benefit from some time in the cellar. With a silky texture, it shows tart and coastal acidity framing flavors of sour red cherry candy, cinnamon, sandalwood and pepper. Best 2010-2012." - S.H. ~~~ view pdf flyer

WINE & SPIRITS - OCTOBER 2009
92 Points - 2006 Syrah, Alisos Vineyard
"Scents of licorice, fennel and sage place this syrah in the chaparral-covered hills of Santa Barbara. It feels warm without being hot, the herbal aromas forming a savory contrast to the ripe plum and blueberry flavors. The rich texture is lifted by peppery spice, with lasting flavors of juniper and violet. Decant a bottle for venison." (172 cases) Richard Longoria Wines, Los Olivos, CA. ~~~ view pdf flyer

PINOT REPORT - JULY 15th, 2009
95 points - 2006 Pinot Noir, Fe Ciega Vineyard
"Deep ruby color; intense dark cherry and plum aromas with some pepper and earthy notes....good structure and balance; long finish."

THE TASTING PANEL - JULY 2009
90 Points - 2008 Pinot Grigio, Santa Barbara County
"Pure and juicy with lovely fruit; dry, beautifully racy with clean with nicely articulated flavors." - Anthony Dias

PATTY'S PINOT CLOSET - JUNE, 2009
91 points - 2006 Pinot Noir, Fe Ciega Vineyard
"Medium intensity wine with a black cherry color. Aromas of black cherries and hints of sage. Tastes of velvety dark fruit with a lingering finish."

WINE ENTHUSIAST - DECEMBER 1st, 2008
90 Points - 2007 Cuvée June, Pink Wine
"A wonderful blush wine that calls to mind the dry rosés of Provence. A Grenache-Syrah blend of equal proportions, it’s crisp and vibrant, with subtle flavors of raspberries, orange tea, lemon thyme and sweet lemongrass." - S.H.

STEVE TANZER'S INTERNATIONAL WINE CELLAR - NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2008
91 Points - 2006 Pinot Noir, Fe Ciega Vineyard
"Bright ruby color. Pungent red berries and cherry on the nose, with a subtle undercurrent of smoky herbs and fresh flowers. Sappy, sharply focused cherry and dark berry flavors are energized by a late peppery bite. Impressively fresh and precise on the finish, which is enticingly sappy and very long." - Josh Raynolds

90 Points - 2005 Syrah, Alisos Vineyard
"Inky ruby. Cherry compote and plum aromas are complemented by cracked pepper and fresh flowers, with subtle baking spice qualities adding energy. Sweeter dark berry flavors are firmed by velvety tannins and lifted by gentle acidity, which adds cut to the back end. Finishes with tangy, peppery bite and very good persistence. There's a pinot-like precision to this syrah." - Josh Raynolds

90 Points - 2005 Syrah, Clover Creek Vineyard
"Saturated ruby-red. Smoky raspberry and blackcurrant aromas are complicated by pungent herbs, violet and minerals; very syrah. Fleshy and smooth, with sweet red and dark berry flavors, well-knit tannins and a slow-mounting spiciness. Turns firmer on the finish while maintaining its sweet fruit. I like this wine's balance and find it drinkable right now, but it should reward a few more years of aging, at least." - Josh Raynolds

89 Points - 2006 Pinot Noir, Sanford & Benedict
"Saturated red. Dark cherry and cassis aromas are complicated by musky herbs and dried rose. Firm, sharply focused bitter cherry, cured tobacco and floral pastille flavors are youthfully subdued but gain sweetness and flesh with air. Very good potential here but very reluctant to offer much immediate pleasure. Definitely give this another couple of years of bottle age." - Josh Raynolds

88 Points - 2005 Evidence, Santa Barbara County (a Bordeaux blend)
"Ruby-red. Pungent red- and blackcurrants on the nose, with suave tobacco and smoky minerals adding complexity. Juicy cassis and candied plum flavors are fat and oily but could use a bit more lift. Notably rich and built for strongly seasoned, smoky food." - Josh Raynolds

BURGHOUND.COM - OCTOBER 2008
90 Points - 2006 Pinot Noir, Fe Ciega Vineyard
"An extremely ripe but not roasted dark berry and cassis fruit nose introduces supple, forward, seductive and velvety medium-bodied flavors that are underpinned by dusty, almost raspy tannins and fine length. This does a better than average job of carrying its alcohol as there is almost no overt warmth and while there is a trace, it's relatively subtle. A delicious pinot that is quie ripe but not necessarily a "power pinot."

WINE ENTHUSIAST - OCTOBER 2008
90 Points - 2006 Pinot Noir, Sanford & Benedict
"Typical of a fine young S&B Pinot, this is rather hard and closed in tannins now, although decanting will help coax out the cherry and currant fruit. But it really needs a good 4-6 years." - S.H.

WINE ENTHUSIAST - SEPTEMBER 2008
92 Points - 2006 Cuvée Diana Chardonnay
"This is the winery's best Chardonnay blend. It comes mainly from Sanford & Benedict Vineyard, and shows the fine structure associated with the appellation. Juicy acidity firms up the oak-inspired Meyer lemon, crushed pineapple and tangy mineral flavors. Should soften and become more complex over the next six years." - S.H.

THE SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE: WINE SELECTIONS - AUGUST 8, 2008
TWO STARS - 2006 Cuvée Diana Chardonnay
One of the top 16 wines out of 75 tasted!
"Winemaker Rick Longoria honors his wife, Diana, with this flagship Chardonnay, sourced primarily from Sanford & Benedict Vineyard. Hints of smoke on the nose give depth to aromas of kiwi, tangerine and green apple. Flavors and textures on the palate pull you in after the first sip of pineapple, sweet cream, spice and a honeyed note." - Lynn Char Bennett

PATTERSON'S THE TASTING PANEL MAGAZINE - AUGUST 2008
94 points - 2006 Pinot Noir, Fe Ciega Vineyard
"Luscious black cherry and racy acidity; fresh and intense with perfect ripe flavors."

WINE ENTHUSIAST - AUGUST 2008
90 Points - 2006 Chardonnay, Santa Rita Hills
"You can almost smell the minerals and acids in this Chardonnay. The flavors verify the aroma, adding fruitier notes of limes, sweet apples and white peaches, complexed with the creamy, smoky nuances of new oak and sur lies aging."
- S.H.

WINE & SPIRITS Magazine - APRIL 2008

WINE ENTHUSIAST - March 2008
"The Santa Barbara Pinot Noirs, and particularly the highly coveted single-vineyard bottlings from the Santa Rita Hills, are every bit as rich and vibrant as in past years, but in general possess an acid-inspired sleekness that makes them utterly delicious right away-a quality Brewer calls "precocious." Yet they're also capable of aging, although not for as long as a powerful Cabernet Sauvignon. The best of the '05 Santa Ritas-Sea Smoke's Southing, Longoria's Fe Ciega, Brewer-Clifton's Mt. Carmel, Ojai's Fe Ciega-are wines of silky power that will offer plenty of pleasure over the next 6-8 years."
-Steve Heimoff for Wine Enthusiast

FOOD & WINE Magazine - MARCH 2008
2005 Longoria Tempranillo made their WINE WATCH what to try now page! Megan Krigbaum wrote, "The warm Santa Ynez Valley provides a perfect home for the flavorful Iberian grape. Case in point: this elegant, medium-bodied wine.

FOOD & WINE Magazine - AUGUST 2007
Best New California Chardonnays - 18 Best Bottles - 2005 Longoria Chardonnay - Sta. Rita Hills - Cuvée Diana
"Winemaker Rick Longoria named this wine for his wife, Diana. She has every reason to be pleased by this association; it's a graceful, focused Chardonnay, with a chalky minerality and flavors that recall quince and spice." - Ray Isle

WINE ENTHUSIAST - APRIL 2007
To read the article, please click here.

LONGORIA’S TOP SCORING WINES

95 Points – 2005 Pinot Noir – Fe Ciega Vineyard $48.00
“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.

95 Points – 2005 Chardonnay – Cuvée Diana $40.00
“The volume on this wine is kicked way up over Longoria’s regular ’05. It is a voluptuous blend of two old-vine vineyards, Sanford & Benedict and Sweeney. The wine possesses a weight and density that impress, with a rich, exotic array of flavors. Key lime pie, pineapple custard, candied ginger, macaroon, honey and buttered toast, with a finish of mineral and steel. Completely balanced, this gorgeous Chard will hold for many years.” Editors’ Choice – S.H.

94 Points - 2005 Pinot Noir – Sanford & Benedict Vineyard $42.00
“Classic S&B Pinot, young and grapy now, and a little sharp in acids, this wine’s aristocratic rusticity calls for time in the cellar. Shows primary fruit cherries and black raspberries, with earthy, forest floor Portobello mushroom notes and distinctive tannins. Made from the oldest vines in the vineyard, it’s a wine that should ease into its own by 2009, and hold for another five years.” - S.H.

93 Points – 2005 Pinot Noir – Rancho Santa Rosa Vineyard $45.00
(To be released in June)
“Made from the Pommard clone grown at the Foley estate vineyard, near the eastern edge of the appellation, this Pinot is tremendously aromatic. It’s slightly rustic and backward now, with rhubarb, mushroom, cherry jam and Asian spice flavors. Shows gobs of complexity and is rich and balanced, but will benefit from short-term aging. Give it four years in the bottle.”
Cellar Selection – S.H.

92 Points - 2005 Pinot Noir – Santa Rita Hills $32.00
“What a beautiful translucent ruby color, so clean and pure! The wine itself is direct in raspberry, cherry and cola flavors, but it’s not simple. Shows layers of spice, leather, Provencal herbs and fine oak, with a silky mouth feel. A real sommeliers’ wine. Its’ a blend of Longoria’s Fe Ciega vineyard and the Foley estate.” – S.H.

90 Points - 2005 Chardonnay – Santa Rita Hills $28.00
“A blend of the Foley and Sweeney vineyards, both of them top estates, this Chard has rich lemon drop and mineral flavors, with a subtle cost of toasty oak. It’s crisp and clean and very fine.” - S.H.

WINE ENTHUSIASTUSIAST - December 15th, 2006
Top 100 Wines of the Year
93 Points - 2005 Albariño, Clover Creek Vineyard
“Granted, there haven’t been many, but this is the best California Albariño I’ve had. A wonderful wine, crisply acidic and deeply flavored. Candied citrus zest, peach pie, pink grapefruit, buttery honeysuckle, apricot, nectarine, and no oak because it doesn’t need any. A spectacular food wine or just cocktail. Shows the promise of this variety in the right climate.” Editors’ Choice. –S.H.

WINE ENTHUSIAST - November 15th, 2006
95 Points - 2004 Pinot Noir, Fe Ciega Vineyard
“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.

TOP BOTTLE:  2003 Longoria Santa Maria Valley Bien Nacido Vineyard Pinot Noir
"Winemaker Richard Longoria sources this coolly herbal Pinot full of red cherry flavor from some of Bien Nacido's oldest vines."
(Read the article at http://www.foodandwine.com/articles/tasting-room-10-best-vineyards)

94 points - 2002 Pinot Noir - Mt. Carmel Vineyard
"A great success, a great wine that seems to epitomize this appellation.  Brimming with cool-climate acidity, firm and steely in texture, but lush and seductive.  The cherry, mocha and cinnamon flavors go on forever, massive yet balanced and harmonious." - SH
91 points - 2002 Pinot Noir - Fe Ciega Vineyard
"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." - SH
91 points - 2002 Pinot Noir - Sanford & Benedict Vineyard
"Plush, oaky and young, but clearly very fine, this Pinot exudes blackberries, cherries, smoky oak, vanilla and spice, with firm acids.  It's so ripe, it's almost jammy.  Delicious now, but give it a year or two to knit together." - SH

One of James Laube's Top-Scoring Pinot Noirs
"Fans of California Pinot Noir should run, not walk, to secure their share of the 2002 vintage, the best vintage I've tried in more than 25 years of writing about the category."
"Great balance.  Ripe plum and berries unfold gracefully and gain amplitude at mid-palate; long aftertaste is framed by lively acidity and ripe, integrated tannins." - JL

"Longoria is another Santa Barbara winery that is ratcheting up the level of quality.  This portfolio appears to include the finest Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs they have yet produced.  The 2002 Chardonnay-Cuvée Diana is a crisp, high acid effort with notes of white currants, crushed stones, minerals, and citrus offered in a grand cru Chablis-like style.  It is a subtle yet substantial, medium to full-bodied, elegant, pure white to consume over the next 2-3 years.  More obvious as well as fruit driven is the 2002 Chardonnay-Santa Rita Hills.  This well-made medium bodied effort reveals aromas and flavors of tropical fruits, spice box, and earth.  It should be drunk over the next 1-2 years.  Longoria's quartet of Pinot Noirs include the 2002 Pinot Noir-Mt. Carmel Vineyard.  A beauty, it possesses plenty of black cherry characteristics along with hints of caramel, earth, and plums presented in a fleshy, full-bodied, seamless, dense, supple yet seductive style.  The wine's perfume and headiness suggest consumption over the next 3-4 years is warranted.  The saturated, deep purple-colored 2002 Pinot Noir-Sanford & Benedict Vineyard reveals gorgeous aromas of smoke.  Chinese black tea, chocolate, barbecue spice, and cherry cola-like aromas.  Medium-bodied, heady, and tasty, it should be consumed over the next 3-4 years.  Lastly the brilliant 2002 Pinot Noir-Bien Nacido Vineyard boasts a deep ruby color as well as a rich sumptuous bouquet of black cherries, flowers, minerals and Asian spices.  Its medium to full body, outstanding freshness, zesty underlying acidity and long, blackberry and cola-infused finish suggest this beauty should be enjoyed now and over the next 5-7 years.

For more information, go online at www.pinotreport.com.

"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." - S.H.

"A brilliant and impressive wine whose rich fruit, lush tannins and structure recommend it. A melange of blackberries and plums, with notes of mushrooms, herbs and peppery spices. It's fully dry, but the fruit flavors are so ripe, they finish with a delicious sweetness. Drinkable now, but also cellarworthy." - S.H.
2001 Syrah - Santa Barbara County - 92 points
"An excellent red wine, with nice body and structure. The flavors range from plums and black cherries to white pepper, and the tannins are voluptuously soft and complex. It's totally dry, a beautiful wine to pair with your finest foods." Editors' Choice. - S.H.

One of the best of the current Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir releases culled from a blind tasting of 35 wines sampled in July:
"Nose of ripe raspberry, coffee bean and cinnamon-clove spice. Round and luscious on the palate with a deep core of raspberry fruit, the wine impresses with its opulent texture and bright acidity, finishing with a flourish of vanillin oak." - Steve Pitcher

One of the 6 top rated new California Pinot Noirs:
"A more masculine Point, with pleasing leather and tobacco aromas and firm acid. This one would be good with cured meats or cheese." - Corie Brown

“Brilliantly flamboyant grapes went into this wine, to judge from the results. Huge, massive flavors ranging from the ripest pears to succulent tropical fruits. The wine is big enough to support the extensive lees and new oak. Best of all is the acidity, which seems distinctly Santa Barbara in scope.”

“This dramatic wine is dark, young and closed. It opens with a flourish of black
cherry and currant aromas conjoined with the smoky vanillins of oak, but it hasn’t all come together. Yet it impresses with its sheer flashy depth. Give this puppy a few years to knit together. It is a very, very good wine.”

“In the mouth the 2001 Chardonnay, Mt. Carmel Vineyard, is very high in acidity revealing flavors of oranges, candle wax and caramelized white currants. The 2001 Chardonnay, Santa Rita Hills has tropical fruit/orange and citrus oil aromas, that are followed by a medium to full-bodied textured Chardonnay that should be consumed over the next 1-2 years. From an 8-acre vineyard, the 2001 Pinot Noir, Fe Ciega Vineyard exhibits copious amounts of spicy oak, lean austere flavors, and a pinched finish. Attractive underlying currant, fig, and plum flavors are compressed by high acidity. The dark ruby-colored 2001 Pinot Noir, Mt. Carmel Vineyard reveals additional sweetness as well as texture in its vibrant personality. Notes of strawberries, cherries, plums, and earth in addition to well-integrated acidity are found in this medium-bodied 2001. Drink it over the next 2-3 years.”

Larry Walker wrote the article featuring Santa Barbara County wines, including photos of Rick and Fe Ciega Vineyard.
“Longoria’s Chardonnays are among the best in California…”
Top 20 Santa Barbara County Wines included:
92 points – Longoria 2000 Chardonnay, Mount Carmel Vineyard
“Deep, ripe green apple flavors following a hint of cinnamon on the opening. The center is rich and creamy, leading to a long finish with a good minerally bite echoing the opening. Drink 2003-2007.”
88 points – Longoria 2000 Syrah, Santa Barbara County
“There’s 11% Mourvedre in this richly concentrated wine. Raspberry and black pepper on the opening, looping back at the finish. Drink 2003-2006”

“Longoria’s 2000 Syrah reveals straightforward berry, herb, fig and licorice characteristics along with vivid acidity, medium body, and a fresh lively finish. Enjoy it over the next 5-6 years. In contrast the 2001 Syrah exhibits more heady alcohol as well as attractive fig, black currant, licorice earth, and camphor notes, medium to full body, and an elegant flavorful personality. With additional length and oomph than its older sibling, it will drink well for 6-8 years. The finest of this trio, the inky purple-colored 2001 Syrah Alisos Vineyard Rex boasts terrific aromas of blackberries and blueberries. It is full-bodied with admirable power buttressed by tangy acidity. Although sizeable, it’s light on its feet because of the acid, tannin, extract and balance. It should develop even more complexity over the next 10-12 years.”

Go online to www.pinotreport.com to read these reviews.

2000 Mt. Carmel Vineyard Pinot Noir

WINE ENTHUSIAST MAGAZINE - APRIL 2003
1999 Santa Barbara County Merlot - 87 points

"Good, dark color, and opens with intriguing aromas ranging from fresh blackberries through coffee, pepper, spiced plums and herbs. Smooth drinking, but with pronounced tannins and crisp acids. Will benefit from mid-term cellaring, and should be very nice by 2004." - S.H.

Wine & Spirits Magazine - October 2002
2000 Santa Barbara County Syrah - 92 points

"Dark-roasted coffee beans and chocolate melting in the sun - they both offer a caffeine buzz. And all three somehow relate to the power and grace of this syrah, a sunny, dense and complete wine. The dark fruit is firm and tight, the tannins soft and gentle, followed by lasting smoke. Lovely stuff."