Roar 2022 Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands

The 2022 Roar Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir is a bold yet elegant Central Coast Pinot—brimming with vibrant dark berries, layered herbal complexity, and plush tannins, balanced by fresh acidity and a supple, lingering finish. It's a standout expression of the appellation.

🍷 Snapshot

• Origin & Blend: Estate-grown blend from Rosella’s, Gary’s, Sierra Mar, Pisoni, and Soberanes vineyards in the cool, fog-cooled Santa Lucia Highlands AVA—elevating structure and purity 

• Alcohol & Body: Clocking in around 14.7% ABV, it delivers a medium to full-bodied palate with plush texture

👃 Nose

Vibrant aromas of blackberry, mulberry, and Bing cherry meet floral and herbal accents—lavender, sagebrush, and spearmint—for a layered, inviting bouquet

👄 Palate

• Fruit-forward core: Lush black and red berry compote—boysenberry, blackberry, cherry—drives the palate 

• Herbal & savory layers: Hints of sagebrush, thyme, and wild herbs add complexity

• Spice & texture: Toasty baking spice, cinnamon, and cookie-crumble notes wrapped in soft, polished tannins and balanced acidity 

🔚 Finish & Structure

The finish is long and berry-laced, with subtle spice and a minerally whisper—a seamless blend of power and finesse 

🎯 Quality & Reception

• Critic Scores: Jeb Dunnuck, Wine Enthusiast, Wine Spectator, The Wine Independent all rated it between 92–93 points

• Vintage Notes: 2022 was marked by dry conditions and early harvest, resulting in concentrated fruit and fine-grained tannins in a vintage praised for density and balance 

🥂 Drinkability & Pairings

Ready to enjoy now through 2028:

• Wine-centric meals: Pair with roast duck, mushroom risotto, pork tenderloin, or grilled salmon.

• Serving: Open early, serve at cellar (55–58 °F) to accentuate nuanced aromatics and velvety texture.

✅ Final Take

A lush, expressive Pinot that captures the essence of Santa Lucia Highlands—rich, sophisticated, and beautifully balanced. With dark fruit depth and savory elegance, it’s both approachable now and worthy of the cellar.