Reviews

VINOUS – SEPTEMBER 2018 

“This is a gorgeous set of new releases from Rick Longoria, one of the veterans of the Santa Barbara scene. The wines represent the essence of balance, in that they never have too much or too little of anything, they are just beautifully centered Chardonnays and Pinots that speak faithfully to their origins. Other wineries may be more trendy and get more attention, but these wines are the real deal.” Antonio Galloni

92 Points – 2016 Chardonnay, Cuvée Diana
“Rick Longoria’s 2016 Chardonnay Cuvée Diana is soft, creamy and inviting, with lovely textural finesse. Hints of apricot, chamomile and orange peel grace this classy, wonderfully inviting Chardonnay. Even with blocked malolactic fermentation, the 2016 is quite deep and layered. Drink it over the next handful of years.”

92 Points – 2016 Pinot Noir Lovely Rita
“The 2016 Pinot Noir Lovely Rita is laced with the essence of bright red cherry fruit. Lifted and yet also pliant, this inviting Sta. Rita Hills Pinot has so much to offer. Hints of rose petal and lavender add a very attractive upper register of floral brightness. Not only is the 2016 superb, it is also a tremendous value.”

90 Points – 2016 Pinot Noir, La Encantada Vineyard
“The 2016 Pinot Noir La Encantada Vineyard is one of the more reticent wines in Rick Longoria’s range. Blood orange, red cherry, mint, tobacco, game and smoke give the 2016 its distinctly wild, feral quality. Light on its feet and a touch ethereal, the 2016 has quite a bit to offer.”

92 Points – 2016 Pinot Noir, Fe Ciega Vineyard
“The 2016 Pinot Noir, Fe Ciega Vineyard is deep and powerful, but also closed in on itself at present. The 2016 was done with fully destemmed fruit, and yet it shows distinct savory notes that suggest stems. Another year or two in bottle should help soften some of the slightly angular contours that are present today.”

93+ Points – 2016 Pinot Noir, Fe Ciega Vineyard Block M
“The 2016 Pinot Noir, Fe Ciega Vineyard Block M emerges from a parcel planted with Mount Eden clone Pinot. Powerful and authoritative in the glass, the 2016 possesses notable density and structure. Today the Block M is a bit rough around the edges, but it has all the requisite elements to develop into a truly special wine. Actually it already is. Readers should plan on giving this muscular, brooding Pinot at least another year or two in bottle.”

93 Points – 2016 Pinot Noir, Sanford & Benedict Vineyard
“The 2016 Pinot Noir Sanford & Benedict Vineyard is a wine of pure and total sophistication. Lifted and beautifully perfumed in style, the 2016 captures all of the nuances that make this Sta. Rita Hills site so special. Floral notes give the red berry fruit brightness, while silky tannins provide the textural underpinnings. This is a great example of S&B Pinot.”

92 Points – 2016 Pinot Noir, Bien Nacido Vineyard
“Longoria’s 2016 Pinot Noir, Bien Nacido Vineyard is creamy, sensual and inviting, with lovely textural depth and terrific overall balance. All the elements are wonderfully fused together in a spherical, sensual Pinot Noir that hits all the right notes. Nothing really stands out about the 2016, except its tremendous appeal. I loved it.”

WINE SPECTATOR – JUNE 2018

91 Points – 2016 Pinot Noir, Sta. Rita Hills “Lovely Rita”
“Delicious and minerally, with cherry, currant and plum flavors that are full of savory richness. Balanced acidity frames the spicy finish. Drink now through 2022.” KM

PURELY DOMESTIC WINE REPORT – JUNE 2018

92 Points – 2016 Chardonnay, Cuvée Diana 
All whole cluster pressed then aged in predominantly, (77%) used French oak. The nose is beautifully elegant with focused lemon and richer elements of polished peach. The palate entry is bright acidity with a core of attractively precise golden peach, apple, and coconut. Drink 2018-2026.

91 Points – 2016 Pinot Noir Lovely Rita 
Raised in primarily used oak. The nose is a solid red berry, cola, tobacco and sun-dried tomato. The palate entry
is spicy cherry with a dry, focused dark fruit and mouth- coating tannin in the core. Drink 2018-2024.

97 Points – 2016 Pinot Noir, Fe Ciega Vineyard 
When counting the grad-cru sites in Sta. Rita Hills, Fe Ciega definitely belongs. Planted in 1998, the fruit has been used exclusively by Longoria, aside from a small amount made available to Adam Tolmach, at Ojai Vineyard. The nose is a buttery – smooth tobacco and cherry with notes of chocolate and plum. The palate entry is silky red cherry with a core of sculpted red and black fruits and strong tannins. Hold this for up to 2 decades. Drink 2020-2035.

94 Points – 2016 Pinot Noir, Bien Nacido Vineyard, Block N 
This will be the last Bien Nacido from Longoria as the winery has decided to concentrate only on Sta. Rita Hills. The nose is piquant red berry fruit with notes of blossoms, pomegranate and herb. The palate offers a silky yet well-framed entry of cedar, textured cherry and black raspberry in the core, overlaid with herbs. Seamless elegance. Planted in 1970 to Martini clone, Block N has been a staple of the Longoria portfolio for nearly a quarter century. Drink 2018-2027.

95 Points – 2016 Pinot Noir, La Encantada Vineyard 
A penetrating nose of spicy black fruit with silky impressions of herbs, meat and mineral. The palate is a smoke-laced black fruit on entry, a supple core of plum leading to a leaner, bright red cranberry finish. Drink 2018-2026.

94 Points – 2016 Pinot Noir, Sanford & Benedict Vineyard 
The nose is a sour plum with a riper core of sticky, tobacco accented fruit with notes of clove. The palate is a deep, saturated dark fruit with structured textural elements in the core. Finely balanced elegance with a finish of silky black fruits. Drink 2018-2030.

WINE ENTHUSIAST – MAY 2018

94 Points – 2015 Pinot Noir, Bien Nacido Vineyard Block N (Santa Maria Valley)
“There’s an epic play between ripe fruit and earthy elements in this block-designated bottling from a block planted in the 1970s, showing candied cherry and raspberry on the nose along with crushed mint, moist creek bed soils and a hint of game. Black raspberry and black plum make for a hearty start to the sip, which is leveled by cherrywood smoke, spicy bay leaf and sagebrush.” Editors’ Choice MK

92 Points – 2015 Pinot Noir, Sanford & Benedict Vineyard (Sta. Rita Hills)
“Veteran Rick Longoria’s take on this historic vineyard starts with dark cranberry and ripe plum notes on the nose, and then comes a slightly gamy quality alongside crushed gravel and sweet sagebrush. The palate carries boysenberry, loamy soil and more chaparral spice, with an intriguingly layered texturality.” MK

91 Points – 2015 Pinot Noir, La Encantada Vineyard (Sta. Rita Hills)
“Rusty aromas of raspberry and cranberry meet with dust, turned earth and a slightly gamy funk on the dynamic nose of this bottling from veteran vintner Rick Longoria. That feral quality extends to the palate, where chaparral herbs and peppery spices add intrigue to the wild cranberry flavors. It is well structured with lots of depth to the finish.” MK

91 Points – 2014 Pinot Noir, Fe Ciega Vineyard (Sta. Rita Hills)
“Concentrated sarsaparilla, dark red cherry, wet loam, sagebrush and a slightly funk aroma shows on the nose of this bottling from Rick Longoria’s estate vineyard. That slightly sour funk quality extends to the sip as well, giving wild and rustic Old World nuance to dark berry, leather and crushed slate flavors. ” MK

WINE ENTHUSIAST – APRIL 2018

93 Points – 2015 Chardonnay, Cuvée Diana (Sta. Rita Hills)
“Bright and fresh aromas of pomelo pith, grapefruit flesh, guava skins and tangerine souffle show on the nose of this top-tier Chardonnay by veteran Rick Longoria. Clean and crisp flavors of mandarin pith and a crushed marble minerality give backbone to the richer touches of macadamia nut, cashew and the slightest kiss of buttercream.” MK

91 Points – 2015 Chardonnay, Fe Ciega Vineyard (Sta. Rita Hills)
“This tightly wound, still very young bottling from Rick Longoria’s estate vineyard needs a little time to open up, but when it does, there are grapefruit pith, candied lemon rind and freezedried honeydew aromas to enjoy. The texture is tremendously chalky, delivering flavors of lime skin, apple rind and orange candies.” MK

91 Points – 2016 Albarino, Clover Creek Vineyard (Santa Ynez Valley)
“Plump aromas of poached pear, Meyer lemon pith, honeysuckle and an underlying slate-like minerality hit the nose on this bottling. There’s a roundness to the palate of Asian pear, but the sip is all about grippy texture and sizzling citrus energy that carries deep into the finish.” MK

WINE ADVOCATE – September 2017

90 Points – 2015 Longoria Chardonnay, Cuvée Diana
“The 2015 Longoria Chardonnay Cuvée Diana gives fragrant honeysuckle, white peach and orange blossom notes with touches of baking bread and marzipan. Light to medium-bodied, it has a lively backbone cutting through the delicate flavors, finishing on a subtle savory note.”

90+ Points – 2015 Longoria Chardonnay, Fe Ciega Vineyard
“The 2015 Longoria Fe Ciega Vineyard offers delicate lemon zest, grapefruit and crushed stones notes plus a touch of toast. Light to medium-bodied, fine, fresh and softly spoken, it has citrus and chalky appeal with plenty of zip to the finish.”

90+ Points – 2015 Longoria Pinot Noir, La Encantada Vineyard
“The 2015 Pinot Noir La Encantada has a pale to medium ruby purple color and nose of dried herbs, garrigue and mossy bark over a core of red currants and cranberries. Medium-bodied, with a solid frame of chewy tannins and just enough freshness, it has subtle earthy layers and a pleasant herbal lift on the finish.”

91 Points – 2015 Longoria Pinot Noir Sanford & Benedict Vineyard
“Medium ruby-purple in color, the 2015 Pinot Noir Sanford & Benedict Vineyard gives Bing cherry and pomegranate notes with forest floor, dusty earth and dried Provence herbs in the undercurrent. Medium-bodied and firmly framed with chewy tannins and a lively backbone, it has a good intensity of earthy red berry layers and some pepper coming through on the finish.”

92+ Points – 2014 Longoria Pinot Noir Fe Ciega Vineyard
“Pale to medium ruby-purple colored, the 2014 Pinot Noir Fe Ciega Vineyard offers notes of kirsch, raspberry tart and pomegranate with touches of cinnamon stick, black pepper, sage, and black soil. The medium-bodied palate fills the mouth with fragrant red berry flavors, supported by chewy tannins and seamless freshness, finishing long and earthy.”

92+ Points – 2015 Longoria Pinot Noir Bien Nacido Vineyard Block N
“The 2015 Pinot Noir Bien Nacido Vineyard Block N has a pale to medium ruby-purple color and fragrant nose of violets, wild thyme and rose petals over a core of black cherries and raspberries plus a waft of fertile loam. Medium-bodied with great intensity, it features perfumed red berries framed by fine-grained tannins in the mouth, finishing long and refreshing.”

WINE ENTHUSIAST – MARCH 2017

92 Points – 2014 Pinot Noir, Fe Ciega Vineyard (Sta. Rita Hills)
“Longoria delivers a savory, earthy wine from the vineyard he planted, with meaty aromas of shiitake and porcini mushrooms, black slate, cedar and fresh pomegranate. The palate is more reliant on peppery spice, rose-petal florals and dried herbs than fruit, though dried cherries make an appearance, especially on the lasting finish. It’s great now, but will thrive for at least a decade.” MK

WINE ENTHUSIAST – DECEMBER 2016

93 Points – 2013 Pinot Noir, Fe Ciega Vineyard (Sta. Rita Hills) CELLAR SELECTION
“Juicy hibiscus and pomegranate fruits converge with dried fennel stalks, purple flowers and a flinty smoke character on the fresh and inviting nose of this bottling from Rick Longoria’s own vineyard. The energy that emerges on the sip is amazingly persistent, which guarantees long aging, presenting flavors of raspberry, pomegranate, dried sagebrush and black licorice. Drink 2017–2028.” MK

93 Points – 2014 Pinot Noir, Bien Nacido Vineyard Block N (Santa Maria Valley)
“There’s a compelling feral quality to this bottling by Rick Longoria. A carpaccio note on the nose carries through aromas of ripe berries, pine-forest underbrush and wet river stones. The palate also offers a raw-beef funk along with black olive, cherry tomato, sandalwood and reserved elderberry fruit.” MK

93 Points – 2014 Pinot Noir, Sanford & Benedict Vineyard (Sta. Rita Hills) CELLAR SELECTION
“A strong black pepper character on the nose of this bottling by veteran Rick Longoria also works dark elderberries and a woody spice into the aromatic mix. It’s tightly wound and very young on the palate, where blackberry paste, black plum and roasted fennel barely peek out. The firm structure will reveal much more spice and fruit in the future. Drink 2018–2034.” MK

92 Points – 2014 Pinot Noir, La Encantada Vineyard (Sta. Rita Hills)
“Rick Longoria is all about restraint in his winemaking, and that shows on the shy aromas of this bottling that allow hints of black plum, wildfire, roasted meat and light rosemary to emerge. Tart plum and cranberry fruit pop on the palate, where a feral, gamy component is laced by forest floor and wild herbs.” MK

90 Points – 2014 Pinot Noir, Lovely Rita (Sta. Rita Hills)
“Baked mulberry, black cherry and brown spice lead into more nuanced notes of iron, turned earth and carpaccio meatiness on the nose of this blended bottling by Rick Longoria. Dark red-fruit flavors show on the sip, framed by a tannic tension that will steadily reveal more elements in years to come.” MK

WINE ENTHUSIAST – NOVEMBER 2016

93 Points – 2014 Chardonnay, Rita’s Crown Vineyard (Sta. Rita Hills) CELLAR SELECTION
“Managing to be both brisk and rounded on the nose, this bottling by veteran Rick Longoria shows ripe nectarine, sea salt, white peach and lime rind aromas. The palate is quite flinty at first, then opens to light Meyer lemon juice, Gravenstin apple flesh, sea salt, white sesame, chive and jasmine flavors. Excellent now, but will drink excellently all the way through 2024.” MK

92 Points – 2014 Chardonnay Cuvée Diana (Sta. Rita Hills)
“Intriguing notes of smoked citrus meet with tangy lime skins, pomelo pith and a touch of dairy on this best-barrel blend that Rick Longoria names for his wife each vintage. It’s refreshing and easy to enjoy once sipped with just enough citrus flavor, chalky grip, sea-salt savoriness and mouthwatering acid to succeed.” MK

92 Points – 2014 Chardonnay, Fe Ciega Vineyard (Sta. Rita Hills)
“From Rick Longoria’s own vineyard comes this high-toned, focused bottling showing Asian pear juice, hot toast and apple blossom on the stone fruit-driven nose. There is steel structure on the sip, which fresh with more fruity pear elements, but also bound to a chipped-slate minerality.” MK

WINE ADVOCATE – NOVEMBER 2016

91 Points – 2013 Pinot Noir Fe Ciega Vineyard
“A ripe, fruit loaded effort that gives up tons of black fruits, ground herbs, spice and licorice, the 2013 Pinot Noir Fe Ciega Vineyard (destemmed and aged 14 months in 38% new French oak) is medium-bodied, supple, rounded and a touch chunky on the palate. It has some oak to integrate, yet it’s nicely concentrated and textured, and has plenty to like. It should be better in a year or so and keep through 2023.”

93 Points – 2014 Pinot Noir Sanford & Benedict Vineyard
“A rich, concentrated and textured beauty, with notes of cassis, toasty oak, licorice and spice, the 2014 Pinot Noir Sanford and Benedict Vineyard has a rockin’ mid-palate, ripe tannin and enough structure and grip to warrant a year or two in the cellar. Completely destemmed and aged 15 months in 39% new French oak, it’s a beautiful wine from this estate.”

91 Points – 2014 Pinot Noir Bien Nacido Vineyard Block N
“Leading off the reds and offering lots of baking spices, sweet black raspberry, underbrush and a hint of barnyard, the 2014 Pinot Noir Bien Nacido Vineyard (comes from 40-year-old Martini clones and aged 16 months in 35% new French oak) is rich, fruit-filled and nicely balanced on the palate. I love its fruit, and it should drink nicely for 5-7 years.”

89 Points – 2014 Pinot Noir La Encantada Vineyard
“Mullberry, black raspberry, sappy flowers, licorice and spice box are some of the defining notes here, and the 2014 Pinot Noir La Encantada Vineyard is medium-bodied, juicy and structured on the palate. It needs a year in bottle to round into form and will drink well for 5-6 years after that.”

88 Points – 2014 Pinot Noir Lovely Rita
“The 2014 Pinot Noir Lovely Rita is from a mix of vineyards (mostly Fe Ciega) and spent 11 months in 12% new oak. It has lots of underbrush, juicy berry fruit and spice in a plump, charming, pure and lively style that shines for its sheer drinkability.”

92 Points – 2014 Chardonnay Rita’s Crown Vineyard
“My favorite of the lineup was the 2014 Chardonnay Rita’s Crown Vineyard, which comes from a terrific site in the Sta. Rita Hills and is all from clone 96. Like the other Chardonnays here, it was barrel-fermented and spent 11 months in 20% new barrels. Stone fruits, peach, mint and floral notes all lead to a medium-bodied, elegant Chardonnay that has stunning purity and precision. It should impress for at least 5-7 years, and if you’re so inclined, it will keep longer.”

91 Points – 2014 Chardonnay Fe Ciega Vineyard
“The 2014 Chardonnay Fe Ciega Vineyard offers additional minerality, smoke and charcoal notes, as well as lots of white peach and apple fruit. Medium-bodied, fresh and focused, it’s another rock solid effort from this estate. This 2014 spent ten months in 26% new oak.”

90 Points – 2014 Chardonnay Cuvée Diana
“Coming from a mix of sites in the Sta. Rita Hills, the 2014 Chardonnay Cuvée Diana is a barrel fermented beauty that spent ten months in 20% new French oak. It offers lots of baking spices, spiced apple, melon and some rocky characteristics in a medium-bodied, bright, fresh and lively style that’s ideal for drinking over the coming 5-7 years.”

89 Points – 2013 Evidence
“The 2013 Evidence is another top notch wine and is made from close to equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc, with a tiny splash of Malbec. Aged 21 months in 56% new oak, it offers lots of black currants, plums, pepper and tobacco leaf in a medium-bodied, juicy, enjoyable style. It should evolve nicely through 2023, if not longer.”

86 Points – 2013 Tempranillo
“Incorporating 10% Syrah and 5% Grenache, the 2013 Tempranillo offers plenty of charred oak, vanilla, liquid smoke and assorted red and black fruits in a medium-bodied, juicy, enjoyable, straightforward package. Drink it over the coming 3-4 years.”

VINOUS – SEPTEMBER 2016

“I was quite impressed with the wines I tasted from Rick Longoria this year. With one exception, the 2014 Pinots are strong, especially for the year. Then again, Longoria is one of Santa Barbara’s veterans and has by now seen pretty much everything. Longoria was among the producers who cite the heat wave during the Pinot harvest as having had a significant impact on the style of the wines. In addition to the Pinots, readers should be on the lookout for the 2013 Cabernet Franc, which is terrific.” Antonio Galloni

91 Points – 2014 Chardonnay Fe Ciega Vineyard
“The 2014 Chardonnay Fe Ciega Vineyard is soft, open- knit and highly expressive. Orchard fruit, lemon confit, white flowers and mint flesh out in a beautifully layered, supple Chardonnay endowed with lovely textural depth. A kick of freshness adds lift on the finish.”

89 Points – 2014 Chardonnay Cuvée Diana
“Longoria’s 2014 Chardonnay Cuvée Diana is bright, focused and nicely balanced. Candied lemon, baked apple, jasmine, pear and sweet floral notes are front and center. This fresh, supple Chardonnay is an excellent choice for near-term drinking. The Cuvée Diana is a blend of fruit from several top sources in Santa Barbara County. ”

93 Points – 2014 Pinot Noir Fe Ciega
“The 2014 Pinot Noir Fe Ciega, from Rick Longoria’s estate vineyard, is another of the highlights in this lineup. Dark red and purplish-hued fruits, licorice, spice and new leather shape this voluptuous, racy Pinot. The Fe Ciega is another of the more extroverted, powerful wines in Rick Longoria’s range this year.”

93 Points – 2014 Pinot Noir Sanford & Benedict Vineyard
“One of the highlights in this range, the 2014 Pinot Noir Sanford & Benedict Vineyard captures the essence of this site in its radiant, expansive fruit. Dark cherry, blueberry, violet, lavender and spice are fused together in a pliant, flamboyant wine endowed with real depth and tons of intensity. Not a shy wine, the 2014 could use another year or two to settle down.”

92 Points – 2014 Pinot Noir Lovely Rita
“The 2014 Pinot Noir Lovely Rita is bright, focused and nicely delineated throughout. Sweet red cherry, plum, game and blood orange give the Lovely Rita its distinctive, slightly wild edge. The 2014 is predominantly estate fruit from Fe Ciega, with dollops of Arita Hills and Cloud. This is a very pretty, entry-level Pinot from Rick Longoria.”

92 Points – 2014 Pinot Noir La Encantada
“The 2014 Pinot Noir La Encantada Vineyard is an attractive, fruit-driven wine. Sweet raspberry, strawberry, citrus and spice notes give the Encantada much of its gracious, feminine personality. Gracious and open-knit for a young Pinot, the 2014 will drink well upon release. Chalky undertones give the finish grip and persistence. This is one of the more understated wines in the range.”

88 Points – 2014 Pinot Noir Bien Nacido Block N
“The 2014 Pinot Noir Bien Nacido Vineyard Block N is a solid wine, but it lacks the mid-palate depth of the best Pinots in the lineup, while the alcohol appears a bit elevated for the wine’s mid-weight structure. Crushed flowers, dried cherries, blood orange, rose petal, hard candy and mint gradually make an appearance in a wine that never seems to fully come together in the glass.”

93 Points – 2013 Cabernet Franc
“Another highlight in this range, the 2013 Cabernet Franc, is deep, exotic and positively explosive. Dark cherry, raspberry jam, mocha and spice give the wine much of its voluptuous, bold personality. The natural richness of the vintage along with the quality of this fruit from Alisos and Camp 4 result in a compelling, dense wine that is captivating today. This is a gorgeous expression of Franc.”

91 Points – 2013 Evidence
“The 2013 Evidence, Rick Longoria’s Bordeaux red blend is bold, juicy and full of character. Plum, black cherry, menthol, licorice and black cherry give the 2013 its juicy, pungent personality. In 2013, the blend is 33% Cabernet Franc, 32% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot and 3% Malbec, done in about 50% new oak. Drink this delicious red over the next handful of years.”

WINE & SPIRITS YEAR’S BEST U.S. PINOT NOIR – APRIL 2016

“Our blind panels tasted 1,185 new-release US pinot noirs over the past 12 months. Our critics rated 142 as exceptional (90+).”

93 Points – 2013 Pinot Noir, Fe Ciega Vineyard, Sta. Rita Hills
“Rick Longoria planted Fe Ciega in 1998 on a south-facing mesa above the usually dry Santa Ynez River, where the soil is clay loam with fractured shale. His 2013 feels promising but jittery, the fruit appetizingly floral, the tannins sharp and astringent. As it takes on air it releases its tight, locked-up energy in a beam of dark, fresh fruit that’s brisk and propulsive, lasting on the taut chewiness of perfectly ripe fruit skin and aromas of blackberry and violet. Age it for a few more years or decant it for roast duck.”

90 Points – 2014 Pinot Noir, Lovely Rita, Sta. Rita Hills
“A plump pinot noir with cleansing acidity, this gains complexity from a fragrant violet scent rising out of its polished dark plum flavor. It’s youthful but delicious, ready to drink with roast chicken.”

View the full review from Wine & Spirits Magazine

JANCIS ROBINSON – FEBRUARY 2016

17.5 Points – 2013 Pinot Noir, Fe Ciega Vineyard, Sta. Rita Hills
“The Fe Ciega Vineyard sits on the Sweeney Rd side on the Southern side of the Sta Rita Hills AVA. The 2013 vintage shows a nice structural focus balanced with savoury aromatics and flavour. Delicious and savoury with a crunchy saline-river-rock mineral note and nice palate tension. Lovely purity and length here. Good structure, mouthwatering acidity. Will age.” – E.C.B.

WINE ENTHUSIAST – DECEMBER 2015

94 Points – 2013 Pinot Noir, Bien Nacido Vineyard Block N, Santa Maria Valley
“Lavender and other purple flowers meld with graphite, concentrated strawberries and dried raspberries on this wine from a cherished block on a historic vineyard. It’s snappy on the palate, with sharp pomegranate fruit and tongue-tingling acidity. A tad of brie, watermelon and shiitake mushroom pop up toward the finish.” – M.K.

93 Points – 2013 Pinot Noir, La Encantada Vineyard, Sta. Rita Hills
“Veteran Rick Longoria offers a complex wine, with aromas of black-peppered steak strips, violets, tight purple fruits and a hint of bacon. It’s soft on the palate at first, then laser-focused on raspberry juice, Earl Grey tea, blood-orange rind and pencil-lead flavors.” – M.K.

91 Points – 2013 Pinot Noir, Lovely Rita, Sta. Rita Hills
“Cola, cranberry, raspberry and pencil shavings greet the nose on this wine by regional veteran Rick Longoria. It’s lush and plush on the palate, with licorice, black truffle, black sage and barely ripe blackberry flavors.” – M.K.

BURGHOUND – OCTOBER 2015

“I’ve said this before but Longoria is crafting some lovely wines that display a definite sense of place, particularly with the Fe Ciega vineyard.” -Allen Meadows

91 Points – 2013 Pinot Noir, Bien Nacido Vineyard “Block N,” Santa Maria Valley
“Beautifully fresh and ripe red and blue pinot fruit aromas are liberally mixed with lovely spice and floral nuances. There is fine volume and a sleek mouth feel to the delicious medium-bodied flavors that possess solid mid-palate density, all wrapped in a dusty, sappy and ever-so-slightly warm finale where the supporting tannins are firm but not hard. This robust but not rustic effort should amply reward extended cellaring and is definitely worth a look, particularly if you’re a fan of the Bien Nacido vineyard.”

91 Points – 2013 Pinot Noir, La Encantada Vineyard, Sta. Rita Hills
“Here the expressive nose is even more elegant if a bit less complex with its cool and pure array of fresh red currant, raspberry and essence of cherry liqueur aromas. I very much like the sophisticated texture to the utterly delicious and caressing middle weight flavors that offer a bit more depth than the nose before concluding in a sappy and palate coating finale. This harmonious effort could already be enjoyed thanks to the exquisite balance though I would suggest giving this 5 years or so of bottle age first.”

92 Points – 2013 Pinot Noir, Lovely Rita, Sta. Rita Hills
“This too is cool, pure and admirably complex with its pretty blend of various red berry scents with violet, sandalwood and tea nuances. Once again Longoria has succeeded in obtaining a refined mouth feel with the caressing and lively medium-bodied flavors that exhibit a dusty and beautifully complex finish that goes on and on. This firmly structured effort is simply terrific and offers sensational value for the money! Highly recommended for both value and quality.”

93 Points – 2013 Pinot Noir, Sanford & Benedict Vineyard, Sta. Rita Hills
“Here the reserved and well-layered nose is much more deeply pitched with its array of plum, violet, underbrush and dark pinot fruit scents. There is excellent volume to the delicious and fleshy medium weight flavors that possess a suave, even lush mouth feel before culminating in a dusty, firm and lingering finish where a hint of bitter cherry appears. This is presently quite backward and will definitely need an extended stay in a cool cellar. In sum, this is first-rate but note that it will not make for especially good early drinking and thus I would recommend it only to those who have the patience to age it.”

93 Points – 2012 Pinot Noir, Fe Ciega Vineyard, Sta. Rita Hills
“This is also notably restrained and a bit more deeply pitched still with its notes of earth, underbrush and humus adding breadth to the attractively spiced dark currant and plum scented-nose. There is again fine volume and mid-palate concentration to the delicious but quite serious medium weight plus flavors that coat the palate with dry extract while delivering excellent depth and length on the robust, bold and powerful finish. This is a classic Fe Ciega and like the 2013 Sanford & Benedict, I would recommend this only to those who possess the patience to hold it for future development as this is presently promising but very tightly wound.”

WINE ENTHUSIAST – NOVEMBER 2015

90 Points – 2014 Albariño, Clover Creek Vineyard, Santa Ynez Valley
“There’s wet riverstone freshness to this bright white wine by Rick Longoria, which also shows grapefruit blossoms, lemon balm and a touch of grassiness on the nose. There’s verve on the sip, with lemongrass, kiwi and lime-skin flavors making for a very tight and green-leaning palate.” – M.K.

92 Points – 2014 Pinot Grigio, Santa Barbara County
“Nectarine, apricot, jasmine blossoms and lots of fresh squeezed Meyer lemon juice makes a delicious nose on this refreshing treat of a wine. It conveys lively, citrusy acidity and apple rind tartness, offering flavors that last throughout the sip and deep into the finish.” Editors’ Choice – M.K.

92 Points – 2013 Chardonnay, Cuvée Diana, Sta. Rita Hills
“Delicate sea salt and caramel brittle aromas meld with lemon blossoms, honey on brie rind, sweet alkalinity and a subtle white peach ripeness on Rick Longoria’s annual ode to his wife. The texturally intriguing palate is racy with acidity and chalky in minerality, showing lean flavors of lemon and lime peels and a touch of vanilla on the deep finish. Drink 2018–2025.” Cellar Selection – M.K.

92 Points – 2013 Chardonnay, Fe Ciega Vineyard, Sta. Rita Hills
“The pithy yet subtle focus on this wine’s nose ranges from lime peel to squeezed lemon reduction to sour apple flesh. There’s a hint of ripe nectarine to the palate and lots of Key lime juice, opening towards apple custard and a citrus peel bitterness, proving to be a steadily evolving and complex wine.” – M.K.

92 Points – 2013 Chardonnay, Rita’s Crown Vineyard, Sta. Rita Hills
“A bright and sour combination strikes the nose on this wine, with aromas of lime sorbet, kumquat and salted green apple rinds. The lean, focused and racy palate is led by crushed limestone grip, with the slight warmth of tart crab apples, proving quite palate cleansing. It’s perfect for halibut or other delicate fish.” – M.K.

WINE ADVOCATE – SEPTEMBER 2015

90 Points – 2013 Chardonnay, Cuvée Diana, Sta. Rita Hills
“Coming from the Sta. Rita Hills and aged 10 months in 14% new French oak, the 2013 Chardonnay Cuvée Diana has first-rate notes of buttered apple, charcoal, citrus blossom and brioche. Medium-bodied, nicely textured, balanced and lively, with nicely integrated acidity, it’s a classy, well-made Chardonnay to drink over the coming 4-5 years.” – Jeb Dunnuck

92 Points – 2013 Chardonnay, Fe Ciega Vineyard, Sta. Rita Hills
“A new release from their estate Vineyard, the 2013 Chardonnay Fe Ciega Vineyard is all from the Mt. Eden Clone and was fermented and aged 10 months in 18% new French oak. It’s clean and crisp, with lots of citrus peel, honeysuckle, crushed rock and mint-like aromas and flavors. The palate follows the style of the nose and is medium-bodied, steely and focused, yet never seems overtly lean or harsh. It’s a rock-solid, classy white that should have 5-6 years of prime drinking.” – Jeb Dunnuck

92 Points – 2013 Chardonnay, Rita’s Crown Vineyard, Sta. Rita Hills
“I found the 2013 Chardonnay Rita’ Crown Vineyard to be slightly closed, but it reluctantly gave up classy and nicely defined notes of salty minerality, citrus blossom, crushed rock and mint with some aggressive swirling. Coming from a great vineyard in the Sta. Rita Hills and barrel fermented and aged 13 months in 15% new French oak, this medium-bodied, nicely balance and elegant Chardonnay should be better this time next year and drink nicely through 2023.” – Jeb Dunnuck

91 Points – 2013 Pinot Noir, Bien Nacido Vineyard, Block N, Santa Maria Valley
“Up there with the Fe Ciega as the top Pinot Noir in the lineup, the 2013 Pinot Noir Bien Nacido Vineyard Block N comes from 40-year-old vines and spent 14 months in 36% new French oak. It is a beautiful effort that offers lots of classic sweet strawberry and dark berry fruits, salty minerality, forest floor and floral aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied, elegant, seamless and with fine tannin, it will shine for at least another 5-6 years.” – Jeb Dunnuck

91 Points – 2012 Pinot Noir, Fe Ciega Vineyard, Sta. Rita Hills
“My favorite red in the lineup, the 2012 Pinot Noir Fe Ciega Vineyard’s dark ruby color is followed by terrific notes of black raspberry and plum fruits, licorice and hints of violets. Medium to full-bodied, layered and nicely structured, it shows the vintage’s rounded texture, yet it also has solid underlying structure. Aged 14 months in 30% new French oak and from the loamy, clay and shale soils of the Sta. Rita Hills, drink this beauty anytime over the coming 5-7 years.” – Jeb Dunnuck

RESTAURANT WINE– AUGUST 2015

3+ Stars – 2013 Chardonnay, Fe Ciega Vineyard
“The Fe Ciega is a first release. It is subtle and fine in character (pear, pineapple, apple, lime, honey), full bodied, and crisp and very long on the finish; warrants modest aging. Crisp and elegant in style. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 18% new. 66 cases.”

4+ Stars – 2013 Chardonnay, Cuvée Diana
“Cuvée Diana is excellent, in a full, elegant style. It is subtle but rich in flavor (pineapple, grapefruit, guava, oak), crisp and long on the palate, and very persistent on the finish. Warrants modest aging. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels, partially new. 188 cases.”

4 Stars – 2014 Albariño, Clover Creek Vineyard
“Screw cap. Excellent: a crisp, medium full bodied Albariño with elegant character (lime, honeysuckle, apricot), firm acidity, and a long finish. Warrants a few months of aging. Unwooded. 254 cases.”

4 Stars – 2012 Pinot Noir, Lovely Rita
“A firm, youthful Pinot Noir that has intense fruitiness (cherry, herbs, pepper), light oakiness, and good balance. It is long and lightly tannic on the finish; warrants modest aging. Aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 16% new. 480 cases.”

4 Stars – 2013 Pinot Noir, La Encantada Vineyard
“Longoria produces excellent, structured Pinot Noirs. The La Encantada is an elegantly flavored, full bodied wine that is crisp, long, and lightly oaked on the palate, with a firm, persistent finish. In aroma/flavor, it tastes of cherry, strawberry, red currant, rosehips, toast, and oak. 100 cases.”

4+ Stars – 2011 Pinot Noir, Fe Ciega Vineyard
” The 2011 Fe Ciega is a fuller wine; a fairly rich Pinot Noir with good depth of fruit, light tannin, and evident oak. It is firm and long on the finish, and tastes of cherry, plum, red currant, rosehips, herbs, clove, toast, and spicy oak. 3 day cold soak. Aged 14 months in French oak barrels, 30% new. 360 cases.”

4 Stars – 2012 Tempranillo, Santa Ynez Valley
“Very distinctive Tempranillo, especially with its American oak character. It is full bodied and complex in flavor; a wine with plum, dried fruit, tobacco, coconut, and oak aromas/flavors. Long finish. Can be aged a bit. 5% Merlot, 5% Syrah. Aged 20 months in American oak barrels, 40% new. 232 cases.”

View the full review from Restaurant Wine

VINOUS – AUGUST 2015

93 Points – 2013 Pinot Noir, La Encantada Vineyard
“Bright red stone fruits, game, rose petal and savory notes run through the 2013 Pinot Noir La Encantada Vineyard. There is no shortage of personality here, that much is certain. The 2013 offers plenty mid-palate density as well as superb balance. A kick of red cherry and game adds nuance on the finish. The 2013 will delight readers for the better part of the next decade. There is a lot going on in the glass.” – Antonio Galloni

92 Points – 2013 Pinot Noir, Bien Nacido Vineyard Block N
“Another intriguing wine, the 2013 Pinot Noir Bien Nacido Vineyard Block N is marked by exotic, diffuse aromatics that are typical of the Martini clone. Readers will find a chaotic, slightly disorganized wine that seems to be moving in several different directions at once. But that is part of the attraction. Here the fruit is picked a little bit riper than it is for some of the other wines. Hard candy, sweet spices and a dash of new oak add nuance on the finish, but the Bien Nacido is hard to really capture in words, as it is a wine of myriad of sensations and seemingly endless shades of nuance. The 2013 emerges from the famed Block N, which was planted in the early 1970s and remains a source of pedigreed wines to this day.” – Antonio Galloni

94 Points – 2013 Pinot Noir, Fe Ciega Vineyard
“Beams of underlying minerality and acidity give the 2013 Pinot Noir Fe Ciega its structure and sense of direction. Smoke, tobacco, blue/purplish-hued fruit and exotic spice notes are some of the signatures. Far from an easygoing wine, the 2013 is going to need time in bottle to fully come together. Still, the drive and energy here are compelling. The Fe Ciega is the darkest and most tannic of Rick Longoria’s 2013 Pinots.” – Antonio Galloni

91 Points – 2013 Chardonnay, Cuvée Diana
“Longoria’s 2013 Chardonnay Cuvée Diana is a blend of fruit from Rita’s Crown, Rancho Santa Rosa and Fe Ciega. Delicate and understated in its personality, the 2013 offers lovely balance. White peach, flowers and a touch of new oak meld into the pretty, nuanced finish.” – Antonio Galloni

92 Points – 2013 Chardonnay, Rita’s Crown Vineyard
“The 2013 Chardonnay Rita’s Crown Vineyard is round, succulent and beautifully textured in the glass. Honeyed notes give the 2013 much of its volume and overall feel. Next to the Cuvée Diana, the Rita’s Crown is a bit fuller and more voluptuous.” – Antonio Galloni

91 Points – 2013 Chardonnay, Fe Ciega Vineyard
“An earthier, phenolic profile marks the 2013 Chardonnay Fe Ciega Vineyard and its dense center of fruit. Inward and powerful, the 2013 will benefit from another 6-12 months in bottle. I expect the Fe Ciega will always remain a bit virile in style.” – Antonio Galloni

91 Points – 2013 Pinot Noir, Lovely Rita
“The 2013 Pinot Noir Lovely Rita is an absolutely joyous entry-level Pinot made from Longoria’s Fe Ciega vineyard. Sweet red cherry, mint and spice abound in a soft, fruit-driven yet delicate Pinot loaded with personality. Intensely floral, perfumed notes give the finish a welcoming, inviting quality that is highly appealing.” – Antonio Galloni

93 Points – 2013 Pinot Noir, Sanford & Benedict Vineyard
“The 2013 Pinot Noir Sanford & Benedict Vineyard is a real stand out. Purity of fruit and a sense of voluptuousness are two of the signatures, yet there is no sense of excess heaviness; instead the Sanford & Benedict does what only Pinot Noir can do — deliver intensity without weight. A host of plum, black cherry, spice and menthol notes wrap around the palate in a fleshy, deeply expressive Pinot that speaks to class and the pedigree of this site. The deeply, layered, resonant finish is a thing of beauty. This is Rick Longoria’s first S&B Pinot since 2006, and it is a winner.” – Antonio Galloni

Read More from Vinous

CALIFORNIA GRAPEVINE – JULY 2015

89 Points – 2013 Chardonnay, Fe Ciega Vineyard, Sta. Rita Hills
“Medium-light golden yellow; toasty, perfumed, pear and pineapple aroma with a hit of lemon curd; medium-full body; crisp, clean, nicely balanced, lemony, green apple and pear flavors with bright acidity, well integrated oak, and a slight creaminess in the mouthfeel; lingering aftertaste. Highly recommended.”

WINE ENTHUSIAST – JULY 2015

92 Points – 2012 Pinot Noir, Fe Ciega Vineyard, Sta. Rita Hills
“Regional pioneer Rick Longoria delivers a savory, earthy wine from the vineyard he planted, with meaty aromas of shiitake and porcini mushrooms, black slate, cedar and fresh pomegranate. The palate is more reliant on peppery spice, rose-petal florals and dried herbs than fruit, though dried cherries make an appearance, especially on the lasting finish. It’s great now, but will thrive for at least a decade. Drink 2018–2028.” CellarSelection – M.K.
~~~ Click to download pdf: 2012 Pinot Noir Fe Ciega Vineyard Wine Enthusiast Review

THE TASTING PANEL – JUNE 2015

93 Points – 2013 Pinot Noir, Sanford & Benedict Vineyard, Sta. Rita Hills
“The first vintage of Sanford & Benedict Pinot from Longoria since 2006. Silky, juicy, racy and crisp; tangy, fresh and lifted.” – Anthony Dias Blue

92 Points – 2012 Chardonnay, Rita’s Crown Vineyard, Sta. Rita Hills
” Malolactic and sur lie fermentation creates a smooth, balanced, and silky Chardonnay with bright fruit, racy acidity and crisp mouthfeel.” – Anthony Dias Blue

92 Points – 2012 Pinot Noir, Fe Ciega Vineyard, Sta. Rita Hills
” From Longoria’s own estate vineyard. Deep ruby color; tangy, dense and rich with nice depth of ripe cherry and black raspberry.” – Anthony Dias Blue

92 Points – 2012 Pinot Noir, La Encantada Vineyard, Sta. Rita Hills
“The second Longoria Pinot from Richard Sanford’s La Encantada Vineyard. Meaty and savory; fresh and balanced with great charm and length.” – Anthony Dias Blue

90 Points – 2014 Albariño, Clover Creek Vineyard, Santa Ynez Valley
“An aromatic nose leads to juicy and crisp fruit flavors; well-defined and complex.” – Anthony Dias Blue

View the full review from The Tasting Panel

THE PINOT REPORT – APRIL 2015

93 Points – 2012 Pinot Noir, Fe Ciega Vineyard Block M, Sta. Rita Hills
“Deep ruby color; complex, plum and earthy aromas; deep, rich cherry and plum flavors with complex earthy and spice notes; silky texture; good structure and balance; long finish. Rich, silky Pinot with nice depth and layered flavors.”

93 Points – 2011 Pinot Noir, Fe Ciega Vineyard, Sta. Rita Hills
“Deep ruby color; dense aromas of plum and cherry with spice and anise notes; deep, developed cherry and plum flavors with earthy and anise notes; some tannin and oak; good structure and balance; long finish. Dense and spicy Pinot that has great structure for the cellar.”

91 Points – 2012 Pinot Noir, Lovely Rita, Sta. Rita Hills
“Medium-deep ruby color; bright, berry aromas with spicy anise notes; bright, ripe berry flavors with oak and lively texture; good structure and balance; long finish. Rich, ripe and bright Pinot perfect for meat on the grill.”

90 Points – 2012 Pinot Noir, Bien Nacido Vineyard Block N, Santa Maria Valley
“Deep ruby color; deep, dusty cherry aromas with oak notes; complex, stewed cherry flavors with oak and earthy notes; good structure and balance; long finish. Deep, earthy Pinot with that is classic Santa Maria in style.”

Click to download pdf: April 2015 Pinot Report Reviews

VINOUS – DECEMBER 2014

93 Points – 2012 Pinot Noir, Fe Ciega Vineyard Block M, Sta. Rita Hills
“Vivid ruby-red. Ripe red berries, Asian spices and incense on the deeply perfumed nose, complicated by sexy oak and floral nuances. Sweet, dense and seamless in the mouth, conveying impressive energy and thrust to its flavors of red fruit liqueur, rose pastilles and smoky minerals. Rich and broad yet energetic, finishing with outstanding clarity and lift and just a hint of fine-grained tannins.” – Josh Raynolds

92 Points – 2012 Pinot Noir, Fe Ciega Vineyard, Sta. Rita Hills
“Bright red. Fresh red berries and potpourri on the lively, mineral-accented nose, with subtle floral and allspice qualities adding complexity. Juicy raspberry and bitter cherry flavors are precise and strikingly pure, with a hint of blood orange adding cut. Asian spice nuances build on the clean, tightly focused finish, which is given shape by smooth, even tannins.” – Josh Raynolds

91 Points – 2012 Pinot Noir, Bien Nacido Vineyard Block N, Santa Maria Valley
“Vivid red. Spicy red and dark berries on the nose, with notes of candied rose and licorice adding complexity. Juicy, broad and gently sweet, offering lush raspberry and blackberry flavors and showing no rough edges. A weighty, creamy but lively pinot, with strong finishing spiciness, building tannins and a lingering note of mocha.” – Josh Raynolds

91 Points – 2012 Pinot Noir, La Encantada Vineyard, Sta. Rita Hills
“Brilliant ruby-red. A pungent bouquet displays blackberry, cherry pit, licorice, rose and tomato leaf, with a spicy element adding lift and focus. Dense, broad and pliant in the mouth, with an appealing sweetness to its flavors of cherry-cola, black raspberry and licorice. Finishes broad and lively, with silky tannins and a hint of minerality coming in late.” – Josh Raynolds

91 Points – 2012 Chardonnay, Rita’s Crown Vineyard, Sta. Rita Hills
“Bright yellow. Vibrant aromas of lemon zest, pear skin and honeysuckle, with a nervy mineral topnote. Dry, gripping lemon and tangerine flavors become deeper with air and pick up sappy melon and candied ginger nuances. Firm, chewy and densely packed, finishing with excellent clarity and stony persistence.” – Josh Raynolds

90 Points – 2012 Chardonnay, Cuvée Diana, Sta. Rita Hills
“Bright yellow. A fragrant bouquet evokes fresh pear, melon and lemon zest, along with a bright mineral overtone. Spicy honeydew and orchard fruit flavors are enlivened by zesty lemon and mineral qualities, picking up a hint of ginger with air. This lithe, focused chardonnay finishes with strong cut and lingering spiciness.” – Josh Raynolds

THE SACRAMENTO BEE – SEPTEMBER 30th, 2014

2012 Chardonnay, Rita’s Crown Vineyard, Sta. Rita Hills
“Its light color and restrained alcohol (13.1 percent) are deceiving. In heft, ripeness, rich aroma and complex tropical and citric flavors, this is a classic California chardonnay, but it breaks from the rest of the pack in its tautness, light smoke and nippy acidity, making it unusually balanced and refreshing for the style.” – Mike Dunne

2012 Pinot Noir, La Encantada Vineyard, Sta. Rita Hills
“With exceptional fruit, muscle, backbone and persistence, La Encantada measures up. It’s an unusually involved and busy pinot noir, with a mature and dark fruitiness so dense it verges on meatiness itself, yet the texture is silken and the finish prolonged.” – Mike Dunne

2011 Pinot Noir, Fe Ciega Vineyard, Sta. Rita Hills
“Though darker than the La Encantada, the Fe Ciega comes from the more traditional mold for pinot noir. Its fruit is more direct and sweeter, its complexity tilting more to a garnish of truffles and mushrooms than the meat itself, and its supple texture makes it more immediately accessible.” – Mike Dunne

2011 Tempranillo, Santa Ynez Valley
“Its scent and flavor run to tobacco leaves, chocolate and cherries, all hung on a frame strong yet bending. It’s one composed and comforting tempranillo. Longoria got his tempranillo from two different vineyards, then blended in small portions of syrah and merlot to deepen the wine, aged solely in American oak barrels.” – Mike Dunne

Read the full review from The Sacramento Bee

WINE ENTHUSIAST – OCTOBER 2014

92 Points – 2012 Chardonnay, Rita’s Crown Vineyard, Sta. Rita Hills
“Upfront aromas of buttered dinner rolls—which take on a caramel quality with long sniff—contrast nicely with lime edges. The wine is expansive on the palate, but subtle in flavorings, with toasted coconut, balanced acidity and, on the finish, toasted marcona almonds.” – M.K.

91 Points – 2013 Albariño, Clover Creek Vineyard, Santa Ynez Valley
“This lively, vibrantly young sipper kicks off with generous aromas of pineapple sherbet and peach brioche. A racy energy dominates the bright palate, with crisp pear fruit, lime juice tang and white rock minerality. An excellent partner for oysters or sashimi, but drink now, for the lovely energy may quickly evaporate.” Editors’ Choice – M.K.

90 Points – 2012 Pinot Noir, Fe Ciega Vineyard Block M, Sta. Rita Hills
“A lesson in elegant restraint, it offers a subtle nose of eucalyptus, rhubarb and roasted root vegetables, followed by reticently emergent flavors of cherry, blackberry and wet dirt. Extremely delicate with vibrant acidity, this wine only comes out of its shell when paired with a good meal.” – M.K.

WINE ADVOCATE – AUGUST 2014

88 Points – 2013 Albariño, Clover Creek Vineyard, Santa Ynez Valley
“The 2013 Albarino Clover Creek Vineyard is a crisp, juicy effort that offers notions of lychee, white peach and citrus peel to go with a medium-bodied, sweetly fruited and deliciously quaffable personality. It spent four months in stainless steel. Serve this beauty chilled before cold weather arrives. It will be a fabulous meal-starter.” – Jeb Dunnuck

88 Points – 2011 Blues Cuvée, Santa Barbara County
“A blend of 52% Cabernet Franc, 24% Syrah, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon and the balance Merlot and Malbec, the 2011 Blues Cuvee Red Wine (which gets new art work ever year commemorating blues music) exhibits beautiful plum, chocolate, violet and cedar aromas and flavors. Medium to full-bodied, rich and nicely textured, it’s a delicious, forward effort that will drink nicely through 2019. Drink 2014-2019.” – Jeb Dunnuck

90 Points – 2012 Chardonnay, Cuvée Diana, Sta. Rita Hills
“Leading off the Chardonnays, the 2012 Chardonnay Cuvee Diana is a blend of four vineyards in the Sta. Rita Hills AVA. Seeing roughly 25% of the blend through malolactic fermentation and aging 13 months in 26% new French oak, it’s a pretty, elegant and nicely textured white that offers up-front citrus blossom, white flowers and hints of toast on the nose. It’s an outstanding effort, yet has a forward, supple feel that’s perfect for drinking over the coming year or two. Drink 2014-2016.” – Jeb Dunnuck

93 Points – 2012 Chardonnay, Rita’s Crown Vineyard, Sta. Rita Hills
“More elegant, layered and seamless, yet still with a rounded, supple style, the brilliant 2012 Chardonnay Rita’s Crown gives up impressive stone fruits, lychee, white flowers, brioche and hints of minerality on the nose. Medium to full-bodied, pure, supple and borderline voluptuous, enjoy this beauty over the coming couple of years as well. Drink 2014-2017.” – Jeb Dunnuck

89 Points – 2011 Evidence, Santa Barbara County
“More tight and reserved, with a slightly more serious feel, the 2011 Evidence (33% Cabernet Franc, 31% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot and 12% Malbec) spent 21 months in 35% new French oak. Giving up notions of blackcurrants, plum, cedar-box and lead pencil, this medium to full-bodied, concentrated and nicely structured effort will have over a decade of longevity. It’s borderline outstanding and a solid bottle of wine. Drink 2014-2024.” – Jeb Dunnuck

90 Points – 2013 Pinot Grigio, Santa Barbara County
“A naked, pure, crisp and steely effort, the 2013 Pinot Grigio gives up ample green citrus and tinges of minerality to go with a beautifully pure style on the palate. Finishing dry and clean, it too is a beautiful white to enjoy over the coming year or so. Drink 2014-2015.” – Jeb Dunnuck

89 Points – 2012 Pinot Noir, Bien Nacido Vineyard, Santa Maria Valley
“The 2012 Pinot Noir Bien Nacido Vineyard Block N comes all from the Martini Pinot Noir clone and 40-year-old vines. Wild and perfumed, with gamey meats, underbrush, pepper, mint and black cherry fruit, this medium-bodied, supple and layered effort turns more floral and exotic with air, and has bright acidity and a clean finish. Completely destemmed and aged 15 months in 33% new French oak, it should drink nicely for 4-5 years. Drink 2014-2019.” – Jeb Dunnuck

89+ Points – 2011 Pinot Noir, Fe Ciega Vineyard, Sta. Rita Hills
“The 2011 Pinot Noir Fe Ciega Vineyard is a focused, structured effort that has crisp red berries, underbrush and hints of minerality to go with its pure, linear style. Completely destemmed and aged 15 months in 30% new French oak, give it another year in the cellar, and it should have a solid 7- to 8-year drink window. Drink 2014-2022.” – Jeb Dunnuck

92 Points – 2012 Pinot Noir, Fe Ciega Vineyard, Block M, Sta. Rita Hills
“Showing the purity of the vintage, the 2012 Pinot Noir Fe Ciega Block M comes from the steepest part of the vineyard and vines planted in 2008. Gorgeous all around, with notions of black raspberry, cassis, crushed flowers and sappy herbs/rose petal, this medium-bodied beauty has a pure silky texture, fabulous fruit and an overall seamless, elegant style. Drink it over the coming 4-5 years. Drink 2014-2019.” – Jeb Dunnuck

90 Points – 2012 Pinot Noir, La Encantada Vineyard, Sta. Rita Hills
“The 2012 Pinot Noir La Encantada Vineyard is a mineral-driven effort that needs another year in bottle to round into form (which is atypical in the vintage). Smoke, sweet oak, scorched earth and ripe Pinot Noir fruit all give way to a medium-bodied, concentrated feel on the palate. It’s an outstanding bottle of wine that should be at its best from 2015-2019.” – Jeb Dunnuck

88 Points – 2011 Tempranillo, Santa Ynez Valley
“The 2011 Tempranillo Santa Ynez Valley offers pretty cedar, spice-box and licorice to go with ripe black raspberry and cassis-styled fruit. Medium-bodied, fresh and lively, it has good ripeness and a balanced, pure style. Made from 91% Tempranillo, 5% Syrah and 4% Merlot that spent 21 months in 45% new American oak, drink it over the coming 3-5 years. Drink 2014-2019.” – Jeb Dunnuck