In a remote, raw territory where the forest and meadows meet the Pacific Ocean is where the story of RAEN begins. These hills of the Sonoma Coast provide a diversity of soil, elevation and climate that allow for wines of incredible expression, elegance and length.
RAEN is a Pinot Noir domaine focused on yielding aromatic, lifted wines of finesse and elegance from what we consider to be California “grand cru” vineyards capable of sitting among the worlds finest.
In the vineyards our farming is reverting back to what we might have seen when our family began farming and working with pinot noir 100 years ago and perhaps closer to the way the monks farmed it hundreds of years ago. Our goal is not just to honor the fruit we grow but also the nature in which it is growing.
In the cellar we strive to capture the delicate micro flora from our vineyard in our wines. We do this by utilizing whole cluster fermentations relying only on the native yeasts that exist naturally on the grapes giving us a deeper connection to our sites. After fermentation, the wines are pressed and aged in neutral French oak barrels allowing our wines to evolve in a gentle manner without overpowering the delicate aromatic notes. The wines will age between 10 to 18 months, depending on the vintage, then bottled once we feel the wines are ready.
No products found
All older vintage wines have been purchased from a single collectors cellar. Pictures can be requested before shipment.
Avennia Sestina Red Blend is made from 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc.
The Sestina is a poetic form from Medieval France. Just as a contemporary poet can use an old form like the Sestina to express modern ideas, we use the traditional Bordeaux blend to make modern wines that express Washington fruit. Sestina is our vision for an old vine blend where the focus is on structure, balance, and complexity. This wine is designed for the cellar, but is enjoyable now.
Sestina: This wine is a blockbuster, with black currant, black raspberry, saddle leather, freshly tilled earth, vanilla, and violet on the nose. Exceedingly rich and balanced on the palate, with great poise and structure for long aging. The finish echoes with fresh black fruits, minerally touches, and floral notes.
Review:
Toast, black and blue fruit, graphite and tobacco on the nose, followed by a firm, compact and full-bodied palate. Sturdy tannin frame. Slightly hard at the moment. Try from 2027.
-James Suckling 92 Points