Absolutely prodigious, the 2008 Pinot Noir Garys’ Vineyard, from the home estate, has notes of plum sauce, tea-smoked duck, black currant, and black cherry. An extraordinary perfume soars from the glass of this dense, plum/purple-colored wine. With compelling individuality, a layered, full-bodied palate, and a multi-dimensional personality, this is a deep, rich, silky-textured wine to drink now and over the next 5-6 years, possibly a lot longer. Ever since a Roar Pinot Noir blew away a number of great grand cru Burgundies in a blind tasting I hosted at the Culinary Institute in Napa for over 100 winemakers and consumers, I have taken a special interest in following the wines from this producer. They go from strength to strength, and no doubt this is the best Chardonnay and the finest Pinot Noirs Gary Franscioni and his wife Rosella have yet produced.Generally, little or no stems are used in the making of the Pinot Noirs, which display fabulous aromatic complexity and sumptuous textures. Tel. (831) 675-1681; Fax (831) 675-1683

Muscular and broad, a massive wine packed with fruity power, but lacking some finesse. Floods the palate with the essence of red cherries, with delicious, pastry tastes of baked tart, raspberry nut granola, honey and red licorice. Drink now for freshness and vivacity.——S.H.(7/1/2010)—— 90