Roar Wines Soberanes Vineyard Pinot Noir 2024

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. A partnership vineyard 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.

Cases: 280
Harvest dates:  September 31 – October 2024
Time on skins:  22-25 days
Clones: 667, Pisoni
Time in barrel:  10 months
Cooperage: 100% French, 69% new

The 2024 opens with blackberry perfume, clove, and savory charcuterie notes. Plush and energetic on the palate, it moves into black cherry and lifted herbs, with graphite and chaparral carrying through the long, fresh finish.

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.