ROAR Syrah "Rosella's Vineyard" 2021
(Santa Lucia Highlands, California) - [TWI 95] [WS 94] [JD 94] [VM 94] [WE 93]

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:
Violets, cassis, and white pepper dance and flirt with the drinker here. Bursting with syrupy red plum compote, this Syrah is like stepping into a packed jazz lounge.

Ratings & Reviews

95 Points - The Wine Independent:
The single-varietal 2021 Rosella's Vineyard Syrah is deep garnet-purple in color. It waltzes out with gorgeous notes of red roses, cracked black pepper, and licorice leading to a core of juicy plums and ripe blackberries. The full-bodied palate is bursting with peppery black fruits supported by rounded tannins and lovely freshness, finishing long and fragrant.

94 Points - Wine Spectator:
"Rich and polished, yet agilely structured, with blueberry and raspberry flavors that gather tapenade, smoked meat and spice accents. Ends with medium-grained tannins. Drink now through 2032. 155 cases made." (10/15/23)

94 Points - Vinous:
"The 2021 Syrah Rosella's Vineyard is another superb wine in this range from Roar. It shows a more floral, earthy and red-toned profile than the Sierra Mar, but with just as much energy and overall drive. Chalk, white pepper, mint, dried flowers and anise linger on the potent finish. (Drink between 2024-2036)

94 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
" Leading off the two Syrahs, the 2021 Syrah Rosella's Vineyard reminds me of a terrific Saint Joseph with its perfumed red and blue fruits as well as notes of bay leaf, bouquet garni, and subtle meaty, bacony nuances. It's medium to full-bodied, has a supple, layered, elegant mouthfeel, ripe, building tannins, and outstanding length. Give it a year or two and enjoy it over the following decade."

93 Points - Wine Enthusiast
"Dark and focused aromas of tightly wound purple flowers stay fresh and elegant on the nose of this bottling. LIlacs and violets pop on the sip as well, with acai and blueberry flavors arising over light touches of savory meat. Drink now-2041."