The 2009 Chardonnay Rosella’s is a tighter, more focused wine than the Sierra Mar. White stone fruits, minerals, citrus and flowers come together in this vibrant, understated Chardonnay. The Rosella’s captures plenty of the house style but in a distinctly cool climate voice. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2019.
This is a set of sublime, elegant wines from Gary and Rosella Franscioni at Roar. The Franscionis own a number of vineyards, including Rosella’s, Sierra Mar and Garys’ (with the Pisoni family), all in the Santa Lucia Highlands. In addition to making their own wines, the Franscionis also sell fruit to a number of small, artisanal wineries. The Franscioni’s latest project is Sierra Mar, a dramatic hillside vineyard with multiple exposures and one isolated, striking plot that looks like a setting for an opening scene in a James Bond movie.
Tel. (831) 675-1681; www.roarwines.com