2022 Raen Bodega Freestone Occidental Pinot Noir

The 2022 Raen Bodega Freestone Occidental Pinot Noir is a radiant expression of coastal Sonoma County, crafted by one of California’s most exciting Pinot-focused producers. Sourced from cool, windswept sites near the Pacific, this wine marries elegance and energy with striking purity of fruit. It stands out for its refined, old-world sensibility rooted in new-world terroir, capturing the essence of the far West Sonoma Coast in a single, compelling bottling.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, this Pinot Noir shows a translucent ruby to garnet hue with a vibrant, youthful rim. The nose is immediately captivating: wild strawberries, raspberry coulis and pomegranate are layered with rose petals, blood orange zest, crushed cranberry and a subtle coastal salinity. Underneath, you’ll find nuances of forest floor, black tea, dried herbs and a delicate hint of whole-cluster spice—clove, white pepper and sandalwood. On the palate, the wine is finely etched and precise, with medium body, high-toned red fruit and a vivid line of acidity that keeps everything lifted and fresh. Silky but present tannins frame flavors of red cherry, wild raspberry, tart plum and orange rind, unfolding into savory notes of dried thyme, tea leaf and a touch of saline minerality on the long, persistent finish. Though beautifully approachable in its youth, the structure and tension suggest a strong aging potential of 8–12 years, during which the floral and mineral complexities will continue to develop.

Production
Raen’s Bodega Freestone Occidental Pinot Noir is drawn from cool, fog-laden coastal vineyards in Sonoma County, where marine breezes and rocky, well-drained soils help produce small, concentrated berries with naturally bright acidity. The fruit is typically harvested by hand in the early morning to preserve freshness and sorted carefully in the winery to ensure only pristine clusters make it into the fermenters. Raen is known for a minimalist, Burgundian-inspired approach: a significant portion of whole clusters is often used for fermentation to enhance aromatic lift and structural finesse, with native yeasts guiding a slow, spontaneous fermentation. The wine is then aged in carefully selected French oak barrels—largely used or lightly toasted—to allow the terroir’s voice to shine through without heavy overlay of new oak, before being bottled with minimal intervention to preserve purity and nuance.

Food & Serving
This Pinot Noir’s finesse and bright acidity make it a versatile partner at the table. It shines with herb-roasted chicken, duck breast with cherry or orange glaze, grilled salmon or tuna, and dishes featuring wild mushrooms such as porcini or chanterelles. It also complements lighter game birds, truffle-inflected pastas, and soft to semi-firm cheeses like Brie, Comté or aged Gouda. For optimal enjoyment, serve at 14–16°C (57–61°F); a gentle decant of 30–45 minutes can help the aromatics fully unfurl, especially in its first few years after release.

Producer
Raen Winery is the collaborative vision of brothers Carlo and Dante Mondavi, who founded the estate to pursue a singular focus: crafting world-class, site-driven Pinot Noir from the far western reaches of the Sonoma Coast. Working with high-elevation, maritime-influenced vineyards, they champion low-intervention farming, organic and biodynamic principles, and a restrained, European-leaning aesthetic that emphasizes elegance over power. In a relatively short time, Raen has become one of the most talked-about names in modern California Pinot, helping redefine what’s possible for the variety in Sonoma County and earning critical acclaim for its precision, purity and unwavering commitment to coastal terroir.

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