2023 Raen Lady Marjorie Cuvée Chardonnay

Winery

RAEN Winery was founded by Carlo and Dante Mondavi, the fourth generation of the renowned Mondavi family. The name RAEN stands for Research in Agriculture and Enology Naturally and immediately reflects their philosophy. The focus is on organic and biodynamic practices, with minimal intervention in both the vineyard and the cellar. The wines are made with respect for nature and their origin, with elegance and freshness at the forefront. The Lady Marjorie cuvée is named after their grandmother and represents precision and refinement. You can find more information about this winery in the Winery tab.

Origin and terroir

This Chardonnay comes from the Sonoma Coast, one of the coolest wine regions in California. The vineyards are situated close to the Pacific Ocean, where fog and wind ensure a long growing season. This climate helps keep the acidity fresh and ensures slow ripening. The soils consist of a mix of sandstone and clay, which contributes to structure and minerality. The influence of the ocean is clearly reflected in the briny and fresh style of the wine.

Grapes and vineyard management

The wine is made from 100% Chardonnay sourced from selected plots along the Sonoma Coast. The vineyards are cultivated organically and partly biodynamically, with a strong focus on soil health and biodiversity. Due to low yields and manual harvesting, only the best fruit is selected. The combination of old and young vines creates a balance between concentration and freshness.

Vinification and aging

After the harvest, the grapes are gently pressed and fermented with natural yeasts. Vinification focuses on precision and preserving aromatic purity. The wine ages partly in French oak barrels, a small percentage of which is new, and partly in larger vats to keep the use of wood subtle. During aging, the wine undergoes sur lie maturation, which provides extra texture and complexity. Regular stirring of the lees gives the wine a soft, round structure without losing its freshness.

Color, smell and taste

The wine has a bright, light yellow color. The aroma reveals notes of yellow apple, quince, and lemon blossom, complemented by subtle hints of beeswax and wet stone. On the palate, the wine is light-footed yet layered, with a silky texture. The flavors are refined and precise, with distinct minerality and saline notes. The fresh acidity provides energy and a long, elegant finish.

Style and character

This Chardonnay reveals a more restrained and refined side of California. Not a heavy, oak-driven style, but rather freshness, tension, and finesse. The wine has a Burgundy-like approach with a focus on balance and length. Elegant, precise, and easy to drink, with sufficient structure for further development.

Volume

The 2023 growing season along the Sonoma Coast was characterized by cool conditions and a long ripening process. This resulted in grapes with high aromatic intensity and fresh acidity. The balance between ripeness and tension is particularly successful in this vintage. The wine is accessible in its youth but also has the potential to develop further in the bottle until approximately 2035.

Food and wine pairings

This Chardonnay is versatile at the table. It pairs excellently with shellfish such as oysters, scallops, or lobster. The wine also comes into its own with grilled fish, chicken dishes, or creamy pastas. The fresh acidity and saline notes also make it suitable for dishes with citrus or light herbs. Serve slightly chilled for optimal expression.

Wine & Food and Discount

If available, you will find the official factsheet and additional information about this fine wine in the 'Attachments' tab. We will automatically send these to you upon ordering this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you come to collect the wine, you will often receive a nice discount. You will see your discount immediately when you select 'Pick up' on the checkout page. We are located in Dordrecht, situated almost next to the A16 with ample parking. Click here for our address.

You can read full wine reviews from Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator, among others. Need advice on finding the ideal wine for your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier. Free for Grandcruwijnen customers. In the Food tab, you will find advice on what to look for for the right food and wine pairing, and a number of dish suggestions from our Sommelier.