Roar Wines Santa Lucia Highlands Chardonnay 2023

Viticulture

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.

This appellation blend reflects the cool climate of the vintage and is blended from our Rosella’s, Soberanes, and Sierra Mar vineyards.

Vinification

100% French oak, 32% new, 15 months in barrel

Tasting notes

Aromas of light tropical fruit, orange blossom, and a touch of cream and honey leap from the glass. Medium-full bodied, the palate offers a balance of citrus zest, wet stone, and lychee, leading to a creamy and toffee-infused finish. With balanced acidity, this is an elegant wine that begs for immediate enjoyment.

Winery Description

Gary & Rosella Franscioni, third-generation farmers whose families have been farming for over 100 years, realized the potential of the Santa Lucia Highlands as a viticultural area and began growing Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in 1996. The first vintage in 2001 was highly acclaimed, and in 2007, Ed Kurtzman took over the winemaking duties and the wines became increasingly well-known and difficult to find even in the United States.

Although Roar Wines are highly acclaimed by wine reviewers, the winery remains family-owned and operated and is not large by any means. Gary & Rosella's two sons grew up watching their parents work the land. Now, Adam is in charge of vineyard management and Nick is managing winemaking. The winery currently produces wines from five vineyards, including the vineyard it shares with Gary Pisoni. Scott Shapely is in head winemaker who previously worked as winemaker at Siduri. In 2012 Roar was selected as one of Wine Spectator's "Top 100" wines of the year. The Francioni family is truly a family-run business, and everything from vineyard management to blend formulation is discussed with the entire family, but Rosella seems to have the final say.