Winemaking Process | At RAEN, the Royal St. Robert cuvée is a tribute to their grandfather and a reflection of the commitment to expressing the unique terroir of the westerly Sonoma Coast. This special bottling is crafted from a selection of RAEN's coastal vineyards, showcasing the rugged beauty and distinctive character of this region.
Their approach to winemaking is deeply rooted in respect for the land and a desire to capture the essence of their grand cru sites. RAEN practices organic, regenerative, and biodynamic farming techniques across their 10 acres of vineyards, fostering biodiversity and soil health. This holistic approach not only benefits the planet but also contributes to the exceptional quality of their grapes.
The 2021 vintage was particularly remarkable, with near-perfect growing conditions that allowed full expression of the brilliance of the year. The vineyards, planted with a mix of Calera, Swan, 667, 115, and 777 Pinot Noir clones on Gold Ridge soils, produced fruit of extraordinary quality and concentration.
In the winery, RAEN employs traditional techniques to preserve the purity of their fruit. The Royal St. Robert is made using 100% whole cluster fermentation with native yeasts, allowing for a slow, natural fermentation process that brings out the nuanced flavors of our coastal terroir. The wine is then bottled without fining or filtration, ensuring that every bottle is a true expression of its origin.
Tasting Notes | As you pour a glass of the 2021 Royal St. Robert Pinot Noir, you'll be immediately struck by its vibrant color, hinting at the energy and concentration within. The nose is captivating, offering a complex bouquet of black and red cherry, delicate rose petal, and refined black tea aromas.
On the palate, the wine reveals its coastal origins. Wild raspberry and just-ripe red plum notes dance on the tongue, giving way to more savory elements of coastal moss, wet gravel, and forest underbrush. These flavors are beautifully complemented by notes of western spice box, adding depth and intrigue.
The fruit core is powerful and brooding, showcasing the concentration achieved in this exceptional vintage. Yet, true to its coastal roots, the wine maintains a vibrant energy throughout, culminating in a long and persistent finish that leaves a lasting impression.
At 13% alcohol, this Pinot Noir strikes a beautiful balance between power and elegance, embodying the best qualities of its cool-climate origins.
How to Enjoy | To fully appreciate the nuances of our Royal St. Robert Pinot Noir, we recommend serving it at a cool room temperature, around 60-65°F (15-18°C). This temperature range helps to highlight the wine's fresh fruit characteristics and complex aromatics.
While the wine is showing beautifully now, it has the structure and balance to develop gracefully over the next 7-10 years. If you choose to open it now, consider decanting for 30-60 minutes to allow the full range of aromas and flavors to emerge.
This sophisticated Pinot Noir pairs wonderfully with a range of dishes that complement its complex flavor profile. Consider serving it alongside:
* Herb-roasted duck breast
* Grilled wild salmon
* Mushroom risotto with truffle oil
* Aged, hard cheeses like Comté or aged Gouda
The wine's vibrant acidity and layered complexity make it an excellent companion for dishes with depth and richness, as it both complements and cuts through these flavors.
With only 1,800 cases produced, the 2021 Royal St. Robert Pinot Noir represents a limited opportunity to experience the exceptional terroir of the westerly Sonoma Coast through the lens of a particularly outstanding vintage. Whether you're a longtime aficionado of cool-climate Pinot Noir or new to the style, this wine offers a profound and authentic expression of this noble grape variety and the unique coastal region.
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