ROAR Chardonnay "SLH" 2024
(Santa Lucia Highlands, California) - [JD 94] [VM 93] [JS 93] [WS 91] [DM 90]

About the Winery:
Gary and Rosella Franscioni started ROAR Wines with the knowledge that Pinot Noir had a shining future in the Santa Lucia Highlands, and a dream that their farming know-how would translate amazing grapes into amazing wines. Rosella’s Vineyard was planted on their home ranch in 1996, followed by Garys’ Vineyard in 1997 in partnership with the Pisoni family. The first vintage of ROAR was released in 2001, made from these two vineyards. From the beginning, Gary and Rosella’s mission was to make wines that they themselves would love to drink. Their approach was met with critical recognition almost immediately. Two more beautiful vineyards were planted about a decade later: Sierra Mar and Soberanes. Today, Gary and his sons continue to improve and innovate in the vineyards and winery to produce the best quality their land can create.

Winemaker's Notes:
This appellation blend draws from our Rosella’s, Soberanes, and Sierra Mar vineyards, reflecting the generous, expressive character of the 2024 vintage. Aromas of tropical fruit and stone fruit are gently lifted by floral notes and a touch of cream. The medium-bodied palate is smooth and delicately lush, unfolding with citrus, stone fruit, and subtle caramel. A saline-edged finish of lemon and honeysuckle brings balance, freshness, and immediate appeal.

Tasting Notes:
A harmonious blend of tropical fruit, toasty texture, and minerality. It seemlessly melds the different faces of northern and southern vineyards for a quaffable staple that will make you all warm inside.

Clones: Hyde, 76, 95, 96, Wente, Monty
Oak: 100% French oak, 37% new 
Aging: 14 months in barrel    
Acid: 3.5 pH  
Alcohol: 14.7%

Ratings & Reviews

94 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
"Warm, concentrated flavors and ample oak make for a full-flavored 2024 Chardonnay, a barrel-selection of vineyard-designates. A fine-tuned cuvée from Soberanes, Rosella’s, and Sierra Mar, the wine was barrel-fermented before spending 14 months in 37% new French oak, the oak adding structure and spice to the full-bodied richness and concentration of orchard fruit and brioche. Drink now through 2032." (Jun 2026)

93 Points - Vinous Media:
"The 2024 Chardonnay (Santa Lucia Highlands) is a fabulous edition of ROAR’s entry-level bottling. Floral and lifted but creamy and mouth-filling, the 2024 has a little bit of everything. Apricot, candied tangerine, chamomile and marzipan express an attractive richness, while archetypal SLH acidity blows like a breeze through the finish. This is an over-performer and a crowd-pleaser." - Billy Norris (May 2026)

93 Points - James Suckling:
"Generous and robust, showing layers of grilled citrus, sliced orchard fruit, baking spices and sea spray, with a midweight palate, a textural, rounded mouthfeel and balanced acidity. Classic California style, delivering underlying freshness and a flavorful finish. Best to drink now." (Apr 2026)

91 Points - Wine Spectator:
"Intense, focused and driven, showing pineapple, peach and apricot flavors that are fleshy, spicy and supported by a firm, toasty note. The overall impression is lush and opulent, with acidity keeping the flavors in check. Drink now through 2038. 408 cases made." - MaryAnn Worobiec (Jun 2026)

90 Points - Decanter Magazine:
“Nutty and ripe on the nose, with ample oak spice, it spends 14 months in 37% new French oak, a blend of clones including California heritage site, Wente and Hyde. Ripe bruised apples on the nose, hints of vanilla and a touch of lemon curd. Racked and inoculated in a barrel, the focus here is on oak flavours, baked apple and full malo.” – Clive Pursehouse (Feb 2026)