RAEN Fort Ross Seaview Field Pinot Noir 2021

Details

Pronounced 'rain', RAEN (Research in Agriculture and Enology Naturally) was founded in 2013 by the two sons of Tim Mondavi, Carlo and Dante, on the western boundaries of the Sonoma Coast (California).

Royal St. Robert is dedicated to the boys’ grandfather (Robert Mondavi), who had been their greatest mentor and inspiration in their wine journey.

This is the coolest appellation and grown around the village of Freestone on the true Sonoma Coast. Each morning, Pacific fog engulfs the vineyard, covering the fruit with essential mist, after which the afternoon sunlight breaks through and works its magic.

The selection of fruit from this vineyard carries the congenital mark of its cold coastal region, which manifests in the preservation of natural acidity. The vines at the bottom of the slope are around 200 metres in elevation, on well drained sandy loam, whilst the upper vines are in iron-rich sandstone.

This is magnificent stuff, layered with silken pinot fruits, black cherry, wild plum and bramble berry. The fruits are swaddled in mineral tones, delicate florals, and orange tea notes which all fold cosily together to create a medium-bodied palate. The energy and lively acidity in the background lift this wine’s elegant core while still allowing for a rich and rewarding mouthfeel. This vintage has classic potential and will get even better in the next 3 to 5 years.

“Extremely spicy with iron, forest flower, black tea, and dried strawberry aromas, following through to a medium-to-full body, with lovely velvety tannins that are integrated and refined, with a long and flavourful finish. Yet it always remains refined and poised in an exemplary way. Needs three or four years still to show its true self. Drink or hold.”
97-98 Pts, JS Wine Ratings, James Suckling, Nov 22.

“Pale to medium ruby, the 2021 Pinot Noir Royal St. Robert is bursting with fragrant scents of raspberry, cranberry, rhubarb, orange peel, tea leaves and bitters. The medium-bodied palate is chalky and refreshing with pure, expressive fruit and a long, floral finish. Juicy and inviting, drink it now for all that floral perfume, or let it develop in bottle over the next 5-7 years.”
95 Pts, The Wine Advocate, Erin Brooks, Mar 23.

"Beautifully defined, with pinpoint damson plum, mulberry and blood orange notes stretched out over a frame of rooibos tea and savory accents. Mouthwatering through the lengthy, unadorned finish, which relies on tension and purity. Drink now through 2032."
95 points. James Molesworth. Wine Spectator.
No. 5 in Wine Spectator's Top 100 Wines of 2023.

Specifications