Roar Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands 2023 (750ml)

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Producer	Roar
Country	United States
Region	California
Subregion	Monterey
Varietal	Pinot Noir
Vintage	2023
Sku	12557
Size	750ml

  

WE

96

JS

92

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. 

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

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. 

As much as fans crave this appellation's single-vineyard expressions, the regional cuvees are often better than the sum of their parts. This bottling falls right in line, starting with buoyant aromas of rose potpourri, intense strawberry and baking spice on the nose. The palate pairs poached berry and stewed cherry flavors with acid-driven blood orange peel and herbal pine needle touches. -M.K.

A generous, savory wine that's energized by great fruit acidity for good balance. Aromas of fresh herbs, red tea, red and sour cherries, then a tangy palate of raspberries, baked cherries, spearmint and thyme that's complex and interesting. Moderate tannins add to the snappy texture.