2014 Roar “Soberanes Vineyard” Chardonnay $45

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Winery Tasting Notes: “Patience is rewarded with our 2014 Soberanes Chardonnay. Shy, restrained fruit notes and a viscous minerality mingle on the nose and palate, blossoming over time with tropical fruit and floral aromatics. On the palate cream pineapple and lychee mix with melon and are lifted by lemon zest, straw, and crisp shale giving way to lovely perfumed jasmine on the finish.”

Blend: 100% Chardonnay
Alcohol Level: 14.7%
Cases Produced: 195
Winemaker Name: Scott Shapley
Maturity: Drink Now – 2022

Pairings: Sautéed or Grilled Poultry/Turkey, Poached Lobster/Shellfish.  Soft Cheeses, Mushroom Risotto

Staff Review:  DREW MOFFAT – Hands down this is one of the greatest California Chardonnay’s under $50 on the market today.  ROAR, owned by Gary Franscioni is a family owned/operated vineyard in the Santa Lucia Highlands that has been growing grapes since 1996.  Along with his private operation, Franscioni partnered with the other famous Santa Lucia GARY…Gary Pisoni and planted “Garys’ Vineyard” back in 1997.  It wasn’t until 2001 that the ROAR label made its debut producing Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Syrah.  The cool thing is they generally don’t make any wines over 500 cases…hence the Soberanes Chard only came in at 195 cases.  We received ONE and only ONE and made sure to get it in the hands of our WC members ASAP!

ROAR wines do very well with all the acclaimed wine critics consistently receiving mid-to-high 90 point scores.  You are receiving this wine before their submission for review but I guarantee you will be happy there is a bottle in your cellar/cabinet/fridge when those scores are released.  Do not overthink this wine!  Keep it chilled down to around 48-50 degrees farenheit and open it for that special occasion with someone you love OR an upcoming holiday like Thanksgiving/Christmas dinner!  This wine is rich but not over oaked, has great acidity but doesn’t burn the fruit, solid alc level but not too hot…it’s just beautiful.  Or as they say in Italy (where Gary and I just visited) BELLISSIMO!

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