★ 4 Stars (5 possible) - Decanter

An ageworthy Syrah whose blending components erase any deficiencies and plug all the holes in the flavour profile. An enormous mouthful of blackcurrants, applewood smoke, blueberries, dark cherries and plums. Fine tannins. Cellar up to 2012.

★ 91 Points - Wine Enthusiast

Buying Guide

In a sea of mediocre Merlots, Longboard's '06 stands out.  It's not only deliciously ripe and generous in blackberries, cherries, curants, licorice, cola and mocha flavors, but the structure of fine acidity and smooth, elegant tannins makes it delectable.  Editor's Choice.

★ 89 points - Wine Spectator

Dense and rumbunctious, this is appealing for its balance of ripe blueberry and tart plum fruit. The flavors are youthful, offering layered spice and licorice notes and ending with minerally tannins.  Best from 2009 through 2012.

★ 93 Points - Wine Enthusiast

Buying Guide
Cool climate grapes from this famous vineyard yielded a tannic wine that shows enormous promise. Brims with peppery cedar, cassis aromas and flavors. Bone dry and austere now, but the solid core of chewy fruit suggests prime aging potential, reminiscent of a young Pauillac. The Winemaker, Oded Shakked, is the longtime winemaker at J Wine Co.

★ 4½ stars (5 possible) - The Press Democrat

A showy, ripe wine with heft. Flavors of blackberry jam, cherry, sweet oak and chocolate. Nice oak balance.

★ 89 Points - Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wines

Strongly favoring the honeydew melon, kiwi and green apple end of the spectrum and picking up a distinctive new grass smell as well, this slightly rounded, very brightly balanced offering keeps fruit always in its sights as its first order of business. A firm, long finish makes it a good choice for service with fish and shellfish today, but this one can also age a bit.

★ 91 Points - Wine Enthusiast

Buying Guide

In a sea of mediocre Merlots, Longboard's '06 stands out.  It's not only deliciously ripe and generous in blackberries, cherries, curants, licorice, cola and mocha flavors, but the structure of fine acidity and smooth, elegant tannins makes it delectable.  Editor's Choice.

★ 89 points - Wine Spectator

Dense and rumbunctious, this is appealing for its balance of ripe blueberry and tart plum fruit. The flavors are youthful, offering layered spice and licorice notes and ending with minerally tannins.  Best from 2009 through 2012.

★ GOLD MEDAL - 2008 Sonoma County Harvest Fair

★ BEST OF CLASS - 2008 Sonoma County Harvest Fair

★ 91 Points - Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine

Here is a big, well-ripened, solidly varietal Syrah that hits all the right marks in terms of fruit, spice and substance, and it shows an uncommon sense of polish and proportion for the sizeable wine that it is. It is firmed by a fine spine of tannin, but steers clear of any unwelcome coarseness or heat, and its very long, full-flavored finish is directed by lots of lively young fruit that guarantees it will only be better yet if held for a few years of additional age.