In the hills of California’s Monterey County lies an area that grows some of the very best Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah.This area is known as the Santa Lucia Highlands.Like many other famed grape growing regions of the state, what once was known for orchards and vegetables farms has become heralded for their grapes, and Roar’s Franscioni family is regarded as having one of the top vineyards in the area.In fact, the Franscioni’s Rosella’s and Sierra Mar Vineyards are in such demand, due to the stellar quality of fruit pulled off the vines, that the finished wines command prices similar to what is found in the Russian River Valley, and even parts of Burgundy!
JEB DUNNUCK 94 POINTS – “Warm, concentrated flavors and ample oak make for a full-flavored 2024 Chardonnay, a barrel-selection of vineyard-designates. A fine-tuned cuvée from Soberanes, Rosella’s, and Sierra Mar, the wine was barrel-fermented before spending 14 months in 37% new French oak, the oak adding structure and spice to the full-bodied richness and concentration of orchard fruit and brioche. Drink now through 2032.”
ANTONIO GALLONI’S VINOUS MEDIA 93 POINTS – “The 2024 Chardonnay (Santa Lucia Highlands) is a fabulous edition of ROAR’s entry-level bottling. Floral and lifted but creamy and mouth-filling, the 2024 has a little bit of everything. Apricot, candied tangerine, chamomile and marzipan express an attractive richness, while archetypal SLH acidity blows like a breeze through the finish. This is an over-performer and a crowd-pleaser.”
