Grapelive Wine of the Week
By Kerry Winslow
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2009 Roar Chardonnay “Sierra Mar Vineyard” Santa Lucia Highlands.
This vineyard is another joint project with the Pisoni clan, and again the two Garys’ have a winning Cru site in the Highlands. Gary Franscioni’s Roar label only makes a tiny amount of wine each vintage and plans to keep it that way, but the quality found in this new vineyard made him add this Chardonnay to the line up, and I can tell you, it is a stunning wine, in fact it just may be my favorite Santa Lucia Highlands Chardonnay to date! I loved that last two vintages of Roar Rosella’s Chard and love what Ed Kurtzman has been doing with these wines, he is making amazing stuff for Gary and Roar. This wine is vivid, layered and richly flavored with Grand Cru class and balance; I’m talking Corton-Charlemagne and Batard-Montachet league! The nose has white flowers, mineral, bread dough, lemon and toast leading to a mouth filling palate of pear, apple, white peach and hints of tropical fruits with a touch of lemon tart, cool steely mineral and subtle vanilla. Outstanding now, but should add complexity over the next few years, this Chardonnay is absolutely beautiful. I can’t wait to
($45 Est.) 94-95 Points, grapelive
Available at www.sfwtc.com
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