ROAR "Soberanes Vineyard" Pinot Noir 2022
(Santa Lucia Highlands, California) - [JD 95] [WE 95] [TWI 95] [VM 94] [WS 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.

About the Vineyard:

Just south of Garys’ Vineyard, where windswept oak trees dot a rolling slope, lies Soberanes Vineyard. The vineyard is named after a local land grant that occurred the late 18th century, where nearly 9,000 acres were acquired for just 100 head of livestock. Another partnership between Gary Franscioni and Gary Pisoni, it was planted in 2008 with row orientation set to true north, compared to 10 degrees west of north in Garys’ Vineyard. In the mornings you’ll see a blanket of fog here, and in the afternoon the steady winds from the bay continue to keep vines cool when the sun is shining.

Technical Notes:

Year Planted:  2008

Elevation:  300 feet

Clones:  667, Pisoni

Soils:  Arroyo Seco sandy loam

Row Direction:  True North

Row Spacing: 5'×8', 5'×6'

Ratings & Reviews

95 Points – Jeb Dunnuck:

“The 2022 Pinot Noir Soberanes Vineyard comes from a site planted in the early 2000s, and it's slightly warmer than Rosella's. Its semi-opaque ruby hue gives way to concentrated, medium-bodied Pinot Noir that has beautiful richness in its ripe black cherry, iron, baking spice, and savory herb-like aromas and flavors. With terrific mid-palate depth, ripe, soft tannins, and outstanding length, it benefits from a short decant and will drink brilliantly through 2032+.” (Aug 2024)

95 Points – Wine Enthusiast:

“Lush and intense aromas of dark strawberry are decorated in rose petal and violet on he lovely nose of this bottling. The palate is grippy in texture, giving a structure for the rich flavors of boysenberry pie, red flower and chocolate bitters.” – Matt Kettmann (Sep 2024)

 95 Points - The Wine Independent:

"Medium ruby-purple in color, the 2022 Soberanes Vineyard Pinot Noir bursts from the glass with notes of tar, anise, and damp soil giving way to a core of fresh blackberries and raspberries with a waft of garrigue. The medium to full-bodied palate is laden with taut, muscular black fruits and earthy accents framed by fine-grained tannins and a refreshing line, finishing long and savory." - LPB (Feb 2024)

94 Points – Vinous Media:

“The 2022 Pinot Noir Soberanes Vineyard is expressive and pliant. Generous swaths of spiced dark fruit open the nose, leading to a plush, round, gently sweet wine packed with sheer allure. Moderate acidity and crushed rock minerality keep the 2022 propped up, finishing dark and super-long. The 69% new oak is particularly evident in the mouthfeel and spice character, but it’s neatly woven into the wine’s fabric.” – Billy Norris (Aug 2024)

92 Points – Wine Spectator:

“A ripe, sleek, polished style, with a steady beam of raspberry and mulberry pâte de fruit flanked by a light apple wood edge and laced with licorice and sweet spice accents on the finish. Drink now through 2029. 352 cases made.” – James Molesworth (Sep 2024)