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