ROAR "SLH" Pinot Noir 2023
(Santa Lucia Highlands, California) - [WE 96] [JD 93] [VM 93] [JS 92]

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 Notes:
This Santa Lucia Highlands blend captures the essence of the appellation, sourced from vineyards spanning 12 miles from the cool north to the warmer south. Aromas of luscious vanilla, leather, and chaparral are matched on the rich palate as it builds with blackberry, and hints of Piccholine olive and black licorice. The long, creamy finish showcases cherry candy and a touch of cinnamon spice. Bright acidity and supple tannins complete this balanced and expressive wine.

Tasting Notes:
Fruit-driven and wrapped in leather and sagebrush, this blend melds elements from all of our vineyards. This approachable Pinot integrates the best of north and south within the Santa Lucia Highlands.

Clones: Pisoni, Pommard, 777, 667, Calera, Swan, 23, 943    

Oak: 100% French oak, 50% new      

Aging: 10 months in barrel    

Acid: 3.65 pH  

Alcohol: 14.8% 

Ratings & Reviews

96 Points & Editor's Choice - Wine Enthusiast:
"As much as fans crave this appellation's single-vineyard expressions, the regional cuvees are often better than the sum of their parts. This bottling falls right in line, starting with buoyant aromas of rose potpourri, intense strawberry and baking spice on the nose. The palate pairs poached berry and stewed cherry flavors with acid-driven blood orange peel and herbal pine needle touches." - Matt Kettmann (Oct 2025)

93 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
"Bright red fruits, sassafras, minty herbs, and flowers define the 2023 Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands. Pretty and pure, this medium-bodied effort shows considerable elegance, soft tannins, nicely integrated acidity, and a forward, charming, and delicious personality. Drink over the coming 4-6 years, if not longer." (Apr 2025)

93 Points - Vinous Media:
"The 2023 Pinot Noir (Santa Lucia Highlands) is an excellent introduction to the house style and the character of the vintage. Supple and textured, it boasts a beautifully articulated core of plump, sweet berry fruit and blood orange juiciness. Surprisingly structured for an appellation-level wine, the 2023 is a compelling choice for drinking in the near to medium term while the single-vineyard bottlings soften up.” – Billy Norris (Jul 2025)

92 Points - James Suckling:
"A generous, savory wine that's energized by great fruit acidity for good balance. Aromas of fresh herbs, red tea, red and sour cherries, then a tangy palate of raspberries, baked cherries, spearmint and thyme that's complex and interesting. Moderate tannins add to the snappy texture. Drink now." (Jun 2025)