Deep cherry red. Subtle and dark-fruited on the nose. Dry and firm on the palate, much less open than some in this vintage but all in balance with the dry and fine tannins and the freshness entwined with the lurking fruit.

RAEN Royal St Robert Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast Raen’s Royal St. Robert Pinot Noir is dedicated to the current generation’s grandfather. The fruit is sourced from a selection from their 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.

With the oldest records dating back to 1220, it took until 1872 for Bouchard to finally acquire all of the parcels of this 3.36ha Beaune monopole. Depending on the vintage not all the fruit is totally destemmed and the wine is matured in French oak for 12 months with 30-40% new wood. Always well priced and approachable in its youth it will also reward 5-10 years cellaring.