In the hills of California's Monterey County lies an area that grows some of the very best Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah. This area is known as the Santa Lucia Highlands. Like many other famed grape growing regions of the state, what once was known for orchards and vegetables farms has become heralded for their grapes, and Roar's Franscioni family is regarded as having one of the top vineyards in the area. In fact, the Franscioni's Rosella's and Sierra Mar Vineyards are in such demand, due to the stellar quality of fruit pulled off the vines, that the finished wines command prices similar to what is found in the Russian River Valley!
A blend of clones 23, 667, 777, Calera, Pisoni, Pommard, and Swan, this wine is fruit-driven and wrapped in leather and sagebrush, this blend melds elements from all of family's vineyards. This approachable Pinot integrates the best of north and south within the Santa Lucia Highlands.
ANTONIO GALLONI'S VINOUS MEDIA 93 POINTS - "The 2023 Pinot Noir (Santa Lucia Highlands) is an excellent introduction to the house style and the character of the vintage. Supple and textured, it boasts a beautifully articulated core of plump, sweet berry fruit and blood orange juiciness. Surprisingly structured for an appellation-level wine, the 2023 is a compelling choice for drinking in the near to medium term while the single-vineyard bottlings soften up."
JEB DUNNUCK 93 POINTS - "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."
A blend of clones 23, 667, 777, Calera, Pisoni, Pommard, and Swan, this wine is fruit-driven and wrapped in leather and sagebrush, this blend melds elements from all of family's vineyards. This approachable Pinot integrates the best of north and south within the Santa Lucia Highlands.
ANTONIO GALLONI'S VINOUS MEDIA 93 POINTS - "The 2023 Pinot Noir (Santa Lucia Highlands) is an excellent introduction to the house style and the character of the vintage. Supple and textured, it boasts a beautifully articulated core of plump, sweet berry fruit and blood orange juiciness. Surprisingly structured for an appellation-level wine, the 2023 is a compelling choice for drinking in the near to medium term while the single-vineyard bottlings soften up."
JEB DUNNUCK 93 POINTS - "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."
