Raen 2021 "Royal St Robert" Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

Net Price Wine - No Further Discounts

Tasting Notes

The 2021 RAEN "Royal St. Robert" Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir is a masterclass in cool-climate California winemaking, produced by Carlo and Dante Mondavi as a tribute to their grandfather, Robert Mondavi. Crafted from 100% Pinot Noir, this elegant red wine is sourced from steep, marine-influenced vineyards on the true Sonoma Coast. It sits at a balanced 13.0% ABV and reflects the brothers' commitment to minimal-intervention viticulture. The wine is natively fermented using 100% whole clusters and bottled without fining or filtration to maintain the absolute purity of the fruit and its rugged, coastal terroir. It opens with an intense, perfumed bouquet of wild raspberry, dark bing cherry, damson plum, and fresh rose petals, underlined by hints of black tea and zesty blood orange. It is lithe and medium-bodied, driven by a crystalline spine of mouthwatering acidity that cuts through layers of wild strawberry shortcake and pomegranate. Complex, savory undertones of wet gravel, coastal moss, conifer, and a subtle "forest floor" umami character add magnificent depth. Despite the heavy whole-cluster fermentation, the tannins are incredibly fine-grained and seamlessly integrated, leading into an exceptionally long, bright, and mineral-flecked finish. At the dining table, this wine's vibrant energy and savory depth make it an incredibly versatile pairing partner. It beautifully complements rich poultry dishes like roasted duck confit and classic chicken coq au vin. Its earthy undertones harmonize perfectly with vegetarian options such as wild mushroom ragu over creamy polenta or roasted beet and goat cheese salad. For meat courses, it cuts through the richness of braised pork belly or grilled lamb chops, while its bright acidity allows it to pair effortlessly with seafood classics like pan-seared salmon or sesame-crusted tuna steaks.

Critical Acclaim

98pts James Suckling

95pts Robert Parker

95pts Wine Advocate

The 2021 RAEN "Royal St. Robert Cuvée" Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir received critical acclaim from major wine publications. James Suckling awarded the vintage a 98-point rating (ranging 97-98), praising its extremely spicy profile, aromas of iron, forest flower, and dried strawberry, and noting its exemplary poise and velvety tannins. Both Robert Parker's Wine Advocate and Wine Spectator rated the wine at 95 points. The Wine Advocate highlighted its bursting, fragrant scents of cranberry and orange peel along with a refreshing, chalky palate, while Wine Spectator celebrated its beautifully defined pinpoint plum and blood orange notes carried over a savory frame of rooibos tea. Furthermore, Jeb Dunnuck scored the wine at 96 points and Vinous Media gave it a highly favorable 94 points, calling the bottle "outrageously beautiful" and an absolute delight.

750ml