Roar Wines Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir 2023 Red Wine

Roar Wines Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir 2023 

750 ml

93 pts. 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."

No one knows the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA better than Roar's founder Gary Franscioni. In 1996 he planted Rosella's Vineyard, named after his wife. The following year he and Gary Pisoni planted Garys' Vineyard. Both vineyards' Pinot Noir grapes are of the best quality and are highly sought-after by many wineries. Of course, since he owns the vineyards, he gets first choice of the grapes that he’ll use for his Pinots. The best grapes combined with a talented winemaker result in consistently delicious Roar Pinot Noirs! - Wine Factor

FROM THE WINERY

APPELLATION

The Santa Lucia Highlands AVA benefits from a rare combination of abundant sunshine and a powerful cooling influence from Monterey Bay’s deep submarine canyon. The daily afternoon winds, reaching up to 25 mph, slow down ripening, enhance phenolic development, and create wines with exceptional depth, balance, and aging potential. The long growing season, free from the threat of fall rains, allows winemakers to achieve optimal ripeness while preserving vibrant acidity.

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.

VINTAGE SUMMARY

The 2023 season rewarded patience and precision. Generous winter rains of 22.5 inches, well above our typical 14 inches, replenished vines and fostered healthy canopies, minimizing irrigation needs. Budbreak, bloom, and veraison arrived about two weeks later than average. A mild spring and summer gave way to a long, gentle ripening period. A brief warm spell in early October pushed the fruit to optimal ripeness, leading to a brisk harvest that was later than normal. In the cellar, fermentations were slow and steady, allowing the wines to develop beautifully.

Winemaker: Scott Shapley

Appellation: Santa Lucia Highlands

Farming: Sustainable (SIP Certified)

Harvest: Sept. 29 - October 17, 2023

Oak: 100% French oak, 50% new

Aging: 10 months in barrel

Alcohol: 14.8%

Acid: 3.65 pH

Production: 2,250 cases made