Gary & Rosella Franscioni own Roar and their famed Rosella's Vineyard and Garys' Vineyard in the Santa Lucia Highlands. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay represent the majority of Roar’s production along with smaller amounts of Viognier, Grenache and Syrah.

Named partly for the Monterey Bay winds that can be heard throughout the vineyards, Roar Wines was founded by the Franscioni family (Gary, Rosella, Adam and Nick) who have been involved in farming the Santa Lucia Highlands for over 100 years and across four generations.

The 2022 Roar Rosella’s Vineyard Pinot Noir is sexy and often described as supremely elegant refraining from bold fruit and more in favor of soft texture and enchanting aromatics. The color in the glass revealed beautiful pure ruby red. The aromas began to reveal their true character after several minutes of air offering an array of ripe red fruit, violets, exotic spices, a hint of tangerine peel and toasted oak. The palate is lush, layered and creamy in true character of this appellation. I love the overall purity and how precise the flavors are throughout the palate and through to the finish. The tannins are on the dusty side, carrying you to a long generous finish. If you are drinking this lovely Pinot Noir young, it would benefit from air in a decanter before serving. The 2022 Roar Rosella’s Vineyard will age beautifully for 10 + years. Really well done!

By Perry Miroballi