2023 RAEN - Chardonnay Sonoma Coast Lady Marjorie (750ml)

RAEN was founded in 2013 by brothers Carlo and Dante Mondavi, grandsons of Robert Mondavi, who set out to make Pinot Noir on the remote western hills of the Sonoma Coast. Before launching RAEN, the brothers trained under their father Tim at Robert Mondavi Winery and Opus One, then helped found Continuum with their father and grandfather in 2005. Chardonnay came later, and Lady Marjorie remains a small, deeply personal part of the portfolio.

Lady Marjorie, named for Carlo and Dante's grandmother, is a cuvée blend of Chardonnay from Fort Ross-Seaview and Occidental, sites known for their rugged, rocky soils. The grapes are entirely whole-cluster pressed, then natively fermented in barrel and farmed under organic and regenerative practices. This hands-off approach is meant to let the wine's coastal terroir, rather than winemaking technique, define its character.

The 2023 vintage shows pure scents of yellow apple, quince, and lemon blossom, layered with beeswax and oyster shell. The light-bodied palate is soft and silky, with flint and saline notes carrying through to a long, briny finish. It's a natural pairing for steamed clams, a raw bar spread, or grilled branzino.