A big, bold, intense, nervy Pinot Noir that needs time in the cellar to settle down. Notable for the power of fruit, offering a blast of cherries, red currants, red licorice and pomegranates, while oak adds sweet, smoky toastiness. A success of the vintage. Give it until mid-2011 to come around.——S.H.(10/1/2010)—— 92

Always spicy and forward in a pleasing way, Pinot Noirs from this largish vineyard, located in the eastern part of the appellation, offer broad appeal when young. Longoria’s ’06 is a prime example of this precocity, showing a soft, melted mouthfeel and flavors of cherries, smoky vanilla, Asian spicebox and Provencal herbs. At its flashy, impertinent best now.——S.H.(12/1/2008)—— 88