raen winery
RAEN (Research in Agriculture and Enology Naturally) is a project of Carlo and Dante Mondavi, grandchildren of the famed Robert Mondavi from Napa Valley. The two share a fondness and appreciation of Pinot Noir as their Father, Tim Mondavi, would open his favourite bottles from Burgundy to share with them whilst they were growing up. Their quest to produce elegantly balanced Pinot Noir began and in 2013, RAEN was created.
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The brothers ventured far west of the Napa Valley to the cooler vineyards on the West Sonoma Coast. The Royal St. Robert Cuvée Pinot Noir, fondly named in honour of their Grandfather, Robert Mondavi, is a precise blend of various low-yielding sites along the rugged Sonoma Coast and when combined, produce a gorgeous expression of Pinot Noir. In addition to winemaking, their passion for regenerative farming is at the forefront of all decisions and practices in the vineyards and beyond in the cellar, with minimal intervention. The Pinot Noirs from RAEN all have a common thread of spice, complexity and depth of structure with their love of 100% whole cluster inclusion and are an ode to the style of Burgundy they fell in love with and shared with their Father.
1
Everyday Series
The Sanford & Benedict vineyard, located in the Sta. Rita Hills AVA, was planted in 1971 and is home to the oldest Pinot Noir vines in Santa Barbara County. The soils in the western Santa Ynez Valley have lower quantities of clay than other areas of the valley. They are comprised of Gazos clay loam, with 15% to 30% slopes, and Santa Lucia shaley clay loam, with 9% to 15% slopes in blocks 5, 6 and 10. The area receives foggy mornings and long, cool days, resulting in a longer growing season and lower yields.
2
Colour Block Series
His Colour Block Series Pinot Noir showcases the Steels Creek vineyard. Ben always crafts his wines in a way that allows the end product to sing of the place it hails from, ensuring he preserves the character of the terroir.
3
Design Series
Located 18 miles from the ocean in the Santa Maria Valley, the Bien Nacido Vineyard is planted to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The vines grow in soils comprised of the Elder series and Shedd series. The Elder series consists of two blocks, found on flood plains and alluvial fans with an elevation range of 100 to 1,500 feet, with 9% to 15% slopes. The site experiences an average annual rainfall of 12 to 18 inches. Just uphill along the road is where the well-drained, Chamise clay loams of the Shedd series can be found. Slopes here are 30% to 45% and elevations range from 200 to 2,500 feet, with an average annual rainfall of 14 to 16 inches.
Gavin Chanin brings a unique artistic touch to the world of wine by painting his own labels. Each label reflects his passion for both winemaking and art, transforming the bottle into a canvas that tells a story. This personal approach not enhances the aesthetic appeal of his wines but also connects consumers to the artistry behind each sip. Gavin’s labels are a testament to his creativity making every bottle a work of art in its own right.