LongboardVineyards – Cristaldi & Co

2020

Longboard Vineyards

Dakine Vineyard Syrah

This was the last of about 200 wines I tasted from Sonoma over two days—and what a standout. It’s a fabulous Syrah, the nose bursting with baked fruit and charcuterie notes, candied violets, and a Rhône Valley–like flair, all nuanced by white pepper and an irresistible minty freshness. Full on the palate, it offers round, supple tannins and rich fig fruit wrapped in dark salted chocolate, building with intensity and wild herb complexity through the long, drawn-out finish. What a terrific wine.

Red

2021

Longboard Vineyards

Rodgers Creek Vineyard Syrah

The Rodgers Creek Syrah delivers layers of blackberry, dark walnut husk, black olive, dried violet, and black truffle–charcuterie character. Medium-bodied and supple, it shows vibrant, high-toned acidity and burly tannins that gradually take on a velvety feel. The finish is long, refined, and lightly citrusy.

Red

2022

Longboard Vineyards

Meant to Bee Vineyard Pinot Noir

This is a meaty, savory-driven Pinot Noir with brawny tannins and crisp, apple-like acidity. Intriguing walnut husk notes, leather, and tobacco underscore a core of cherry and blackberry fruit, while hints of Earl Grey tea, dried flowers, and a touch of black truffle–charcuterie complexity add depth. The finish is taut and tangy.

Red

2023

Longboard Vineyards

Rochioli Vineyard Chardonnay

Longboard’s 2023 Russian River Valley Rochioli Vineyard Chardonnay is 100% Clone 76, native fermented, and aged on the lees for six months before being bottled unfined. It’s noticeably crisper and more fruit-driven than the 2024 vintage, offering bright notes of lemon, lemon peel, lime blossom, tangerine oil, and chamomile. Like the 2024, it’s full-bodied and full-flavored, brimming with lemon curd and tropical fruit, showing fine concentration and balance. A lingering thread of salinity and subtle toasty oak spice rounds out the finish.

White

2024

Longboard Vineyards

Rochioli Vineyard Chardonnay

Longboard’s 2024 Russian River Valley Rochioli Vineyard Chardonnay is 100% Clone 76, native fermented, and aged on the lees for six months before being bottled unfined. It opens with a wonderfully rich nose of lemon oil, anise, and tarragon, layered with smoky, toasty oak spice. Full-bodied and deeply flavored, it’s packed with charred pineapple, apricot, and lemon curd, showing impressive depth and concentration. Bold and unapologetically rich, it lingers with a savory, spiced finish.

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