RAEN, Royal St. Robert Cuvée Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast, California, 2021

Overview of the Wine
As winemakers and farmers, Carlo and Dante attribute a great deal of what they have learned to their grandfather Robert and father Tim, both whom influenced them from a young age.

Carlo and Dante’s father Tim was a pioneer for California Pinot Noir in the early 1970s and has always had a tremendous regard for the great wines of Burgundy. To this day his Pinot Noirs from the 1970s are showing incredibly well. Carlo and Dante credit their father’s passion for Pinot Noir as the early inspiration that got them excited at a young age.

Dante studied abroad in Switzerland at the Webster University in Genève as well at UC Davis in California. Carlo studied in France at the University of Aix-en-Provence and in Italy at the University of Milan. After their formal studies were complete Carlo and Dante continued their educational work with the winemaking team lead by their father Tim Mondavi at Robert Mondavi Winery and Opus One.

When Robert Mondavi Winery was sold in 2004, the brothers joined their father Tim, Aunt-Marcia and grandfather Robert as they founded Continuum in 2005.

In 2013 Carlo and Dante founded RAEN winery with the goal to produce world class Pinot Noir on the western hills of the Sonoma Coast. RAEN currently focuses on making three Pinot Noirs, from three unique sites on the Sonoma Coast.

Grape / Blend
Pinot Noir

Origin
Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, California

Winemaker's Tasting Notes
Our Royal St. Robert bottling is dedicated to our grandfather, who has been our greatest teacher in our journey in wine. This special cuvée is a selection from our coastal vineyards, giving a window to the rugged hills of the westerly Sonoma Coast. 

Vibrant aromas of black and red cherry, rose petal, and black tea fill the bowl. Wild raspberry and just-ripe red plum notes give way to coastal moss, wet gravel and forest underbrush. Western spice box notes complement the brooding, powerful fruit core, giving way to a vibrant and lasting finish.

98 Points - James Suckling 
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 flavorful finish. Yet it always remains refined and poised in a exemplary way.

95 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
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. 

95 Points - Wine Spectator
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.

94 Points - Vinous
The 2021 Pinot Noir Royal St. Robert is outrageously beautiful. Deep, pliant and layered, the 2021 is an absolute delight. A burst of sweet red berry fruit, sage, mint, crushed leaves and spice all open in a yielding, mid-weight Pinot endowed with striking balance. There's gorgeous texture and resonance here. Silky tannins wrap up in the inviting finish.

Product size: 750ml