The story behind Roar
Roar comes from the Santa Lucia Highlands, a cool benchland in Monterey County where wind off Monterey Bay roars through the canyon and morning fog holds the fruit back. Gary and Rosella Franscioni, third generation Salinas Valley farmers, planted their own vineyards in the late 1990s and launched the Roar label in 2001. Winemaker Scott Shapley works with cellar master Rafa Lopez.
Fruit is picked at night, hand sorted, and fermented mostly whole berry after a 20 to 29 day cold soak. Only free run juice goes to barrel, roughly 10 months in French oak, 40 to 66 percent new depending on the site. Every Pinot is bottled unfined and unfiltered.
Explore the Roar range
Six Roar bottlings, one grape. The appellation blend gives you the highlands in one glass; the single vineyards show what wind, fog, and elevation do to Pinot.
| Expression | Type | Proof / ABV | Tasting notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roar Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir | Appellation blend | 14.4 to 14.8% ABV | Ripe cherry, forest floor, baking spice, firm coastal acidity |
| Roar Rosella's Pinot Noir | Single vineyard | 14.4 to 14.8% ABV | High toned, floral, red berry, silky mid palate |
| Roar Gary's Pinot Noir | Single vineyard | 14.4 to 14.8% ABV | Darker fruit, savory herb, structured tannin |
| Roar Pisoni Pinot Noir | Partner vineyard | 14.4 to 14.8% ABV | Concentrated black cherry, cola, long mineral finish |
| Roar Sierra Mar Pinot Noir | High altitude estate | 14.4 to 14.8% ABV | Darker profile, plum, crushed rock, bright spine |
| Roar Soberanes Pinot Noir | Single vineyard | 14.4 to 14.8% ABV | Blue fruit, dried herb, fine grain tannin |
Which Roar is right for you?
Roar sits in the premium tier, and the shelf reflects it. The Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir is $59.98, the Rosella's Pinot Noir $66.99, Gary's Pinot Noir $69.98, and the Pisoni Pinot Noir $74.99. The Chardonnays run alongside them: Santa Lucia Chardonnay at $49.98 and Rosella's Chardonnay at $54.99. Stock on the single vineyards moves in and out, so call the Commack store at (631) 343-7200 before you drive over, or ask us to hold a bottle.
Appellation blend delivers the highlands profile without the single vineyard tariff.
Structure and acidity carry it 7 to 10 years in the rack.
Concentrated and generous, it holds up to roast bird and mushroom dishes.