ROAR Pinot Noir "Soberanes Vineyard" 2021
(Santa Lucia Highlands, California) - [WE 94] [VM 94] [JD 93] [WS 91]

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.

Tasting Notes:
Juicy berries, leather, herbs, and chapparal are tell-tale flavors of this Pinot. Earth and herbs underly flavors of freshly picked, perfectly ripe red cherries and blackberries.

Ratings & Reviews

94 Points - Wine Enthusiast
"If seeking out a flavorful, attention-commanding Pinot Noir, this is a satisfying choice, starting with baked black cherry and a spice rack of aromas on the nose. There's a chalky texture that wraps around the undeniably ripe flavors of black cherry, black plum and rich spices on the unctuous palate." - Matt Kettmann (Sep 2023)

94 Points - Vinous Media:
"Deep, rich and expansive, the 2021 Pinot Noir Soberanes Vineyard packs a pretty huge punch. Succulent dark cherry, plum, lavender, spice, menthol and tobacco are all amplified in a dramatic Pinot that delivers the goods, big time. Superb. (Drink between 2023-2033)" - Antonio Galloni (Nov 2023)

93 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
"Redcurrants, darker iron, black tea, and sappy sassafras notes all emerge from the 2021 Pinot Noir Soberanes Vineyard, a pretty, medium-bodied 2021 with supple, nicely integrated tannins and the focused, elegant, balanced style of the vintage on the palate. It's already drinking nicely, yet given its balance and both ripe tannins and good acidity, it should evolve nicely over the coming 7-8 years, if not a decade. (Drink between 2023-2032)" (Sep 2023)

91 Points - Wine Spectator:
"Sappy, with kirsch and mulberry paste flavors pumping through, backed by black licorice and roasted vanilla notes. Doesn't show a ton of range, but stays juicy and engaging. For the fruit bomb crowd. Drink now through 2026. 410 cases made." - James Molesworth (Sep 2023)