Notes:
ROAR Wines is a small family winery specializing in small lots of Santa Lucia Highland’s Pinot Noir, Syrah and Chardonnay. Both Gary and Rosella Franscioni grew up in California’s agricultural heartland where Gary’s family has farmed for over 100 years. After graduating from Cal Poly with a degree in agribusiness, Gary took over the running of the family farm business, which owned and managed over 200 acres of row crops in the Salinas Valley. In 2001, after working with several wineries to develop the pedigree of the vineyards and the region, they began making their own wine. As third generation growers, the goal with ROAR Wines is to make small lots of wine that are a pure reflection of the Santa Lucia Highlands, and in particular, the signature flavors of the vines. The name ROAR comes from the sound of the Monterey Bay winds that roar through the vineyards, as well as the thrilling sound of a roaring crowd.
The base appellation 2016 Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands is a beauty and certainly competes easily with the single vineyards. Brought up in 52% new French oak, it offers a beautiful perfume of black raspberries, black cherries, mulberries, and spice. Medium to full-bodied, seamless, and silky, it’s one of the smoking values that readers should snatch up. - Jeb Dunnuck 94 Points
