ROAR Chardonnay "Sierra Mar Vineyard" 2024
(Santa Lucia Highlands, California)

About the Winery:
Gary and Rosella Franscioni started ROAR Wines with the knowledge that Pinot Noir had a shining future in the Santa Lucia Highlands, and a dream that their farming know-how would translate amazing grapes into amazing wines. Rosella’s Vineyard was planted on their home ranch in 1996, followed by Garys’ Vineyard in 1997 in partnership with the Pisoni family. The first vintage of ROAR was released in 2001, made from these two vineyards. From the beginning, Gary and Rosella’s mission was to make wines that they themselves would love to drink. Their approach was met with critical recognition almost immediately. Two more beautiful vineyards were planted about a decade later: Sierra Mar and Soberanes. Today, Gary and his sons continue to improve and innovate in the vineyards and winery to produce the best quality their land can create.

Winemaker's Notes:
This high-elevation Chardonnay shows a more savory, aromatic expression shaped by its rugged site. Aromas of orange cream and Piccholine olive are framed by savory herbs, forest floor, and saline minerality. The mediumbodied palate is fresh and integrated, carrying citrus, lemon cream, and dried herbs over a subtle structure. The finish is bright with lemon zest and a hint of white pepper, balancing fruit and savory elements in a style that is rich and compelling today and built to age.

Tasting Notes:
Gregarious pineapple and juicy guava with a hint of vanilla and clove make this wine a real party starter. The most bombastic of our Chardonnays, it's an instant charmer that fits in any crowd.

Clones: Hyde, 95, 96, Wente, Monty
Oak: 100% French oak, 40% new
Aging: 14 months in barrel    
Acid: 3.42 pH  
Alcohol: 14.7%

Ratings & Reviews

93 Points - Vinous Media (2023):
"The 2023 Chardonnay Sierra Mar Vineyard is a complex, grippy white that is totally engaging from the get-go. Pineapple, lemon curd, toasted almond and passion fruit form the base layer upon which potent, chalky mineral inflections dance. This is a Chardonnay for the dinner table or to lay down in the cellar. Excellent." - Billy Norris (Jul 2025)