The 2022 Roar Pinot Noir Sierra Mar is a notable entry from the Santa Lucia Highlands in Monterey, California. This Pinot Noir stands out with its expressive character, earning high praise across major wine publications.
Wine Spectator commends the wine for its "plump, juicy and expressive" nature, highlighting the "boysenberry and loganberry compote notes" that are complemented by "anise, hibiscus and red tea accents." They note that the light-handed toast allows for a well-rounded finish, recommending it be enjoyed now through 2030. Jeb Dunnuck echoes the praise, describing it as having a balance of "red, blue, and black fruits, spring flowers, and baking spice notes." He finds it "medium-bodied on the palate and nicely concentrated," and calls it a "charmer that's ready to go," while also suggesting it will age well through 2032.
Vinous provides a distinct perspective, noting an initial burst of "blood orange, purple berries and iodine," which is followed by a more reserved nature due to "chalky tannins." They suggest giving it a year in bottle for the wine to fully express itself. Meanwhile, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate hails this Pinot Noir as "the most bracing and tensile" of the Roar lineup, with "focused aromas of ripe red fruits, crushed stones, dried herbs and orange peels." They emphasize its "opulent and saturated" palate, which is balanced by "refreshing live-wire acidity" and an "inward, stony finish."
Overall, this wine is characterized by its expressive fruit flavors and balanced structure, earning a consistent score of 93 from most reviewers, with Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarding it an impressive 94. It captures the natural ripeness of the region while maintaining a tension that suggests potential for further development with age.