On Sale: $59.94 (was: $64.94)*
"...the Raen Pinots convey the essence of site with tremendous depth and intensity, but no excess weight. Perhaps even more importantly, these are wines of real personality and breed. Don't miss them." - Vinous
Among California’s fairly limited number of multigenerational wineries, the Mondavi’s are perhaps the most well known, having helped launch California’s wine renaissance in the 1960s. While Robert Mondavi and his son Tim both built their careers on Cabernet, third generation Carlo and Dante have turned their sights on Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir with Raen, and today’s 2018 ‘Royal St. Robert’ is “a fabulous introduction” (Vinous) to this incredible new project.
Raen’s style of Pinot has exploded in popularity in recent years, eschewing heavy extractions and high alcohol for elegance and savory spice.. Combined with the cool, coastal climate of western Sonoma, and 100% whole cluster inclusion, you get an intense, aromatic Pinot that's positively overflowing with character, and with a moderate ABV as well. This top shelf, 96pt Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir is a clear sign that the Mondavi dynasty is stronger than ever!
Dedicated to their grandfather Robert Mondavi, Royal St Robert is a barrel selection of Raen’s best lots from several coastal vineyards. With Tim Mondavi’s Continuum reinforcing the family legacy in Napa Valley, Carlo and Dante “have chosen the Sonoma Coast to write” the next chapter, showing an “incredible knack for making world-class Pinot Noir” (Galloni). Raen has been making serious waves since their debut in 2013, and the 2018s, from a “sensational vintage for Sonoma'' (Dunnuck), are among the best yet.
96 points, James Suckling: "Intense aromas of dried strawberry with stone and mineral undertones. Medium to full body with tight, firm tannins and beautiful length and depth. This needs three or four years to come together. Try after 2023."
93 points, Vinous: "Raen's 2018 Pinot Noir Royal St. Robert is a fabulous introduction to these wines. Airy, gracious and beautifully perfumed, the Royal St. Robert is especially lifted in this vintage. Intense floral, savory and spice notes give the 2018 striking aromatic presence. The 100% whole clusters are evident, but also nicely layered into the wine's fabric. This is an especially ethereal style..." - Antonio Galloni
*Offer publication date January 6, 2021. Pricing and availability subject to change.