RAEN "Charles Ranch" Chardonnay 2024
(Sonoma Coast, California) - [JS 99] [VM 97 [JD 96] [DM 96]

About the Winery:
RAEN Winery was founded in 2013 by Carlo & Dante Mondavi, the two sons of Tim Mondavi. After working with their father in building Continuum, they decided to go off on their own and venture out to the West Sonoma Coast to make cool climate Pinot Noir that can stand on its own on the world stage.

About the Vineyard:
This hillside site in rugged Fort Ross-Seaview sits at 1,200 feet in elevation, only a couple of miles inland from the Pacific Ocean and just up the road from Sea Field. Planted over 40 years ago, these vines represent some of the oldest Chardonnay plantings on the coast.

Tasting Notes:
Aromas of white flowers, lemon pith, and just-ripe white summer peach rise from the glass, carried by the imprint of wet grey rock, fragrant honeysuckle, and a subtle touch of lightly baked brioche. The palate unfolds with notes of barely ripe nectarine, citrus blossom, and minerality, capturing both the raw power and elegance of this windswept site. With a round and textural palate, the wine's depth, length, and precision ends with racy, crystalline finish.

Ratings & Reviews

99 Points - James Suckling:
"Flinty minerality, sliced apples, lemons and pears as well as steel, fresh seaweed and nougat emerge clearly on the nose. Lots of sea-breeze undertones too. Medium- to full-bodied with density and tension, turning tight, linear, intense and muscular. Grips down at the end, showing phenolics, verve and grape skin. One for the cellar but wonderful to drink now." (Feb 2026)

97 Points - Vinous Media:
"The 2024 Chardonnay Charles Ranch is a wine of exceptional finesse, with silky contours and caressing layers of tangerine peel and passion fruit. All of the pedigree of this great site comes through loud and clear in this stunning Chardonnay. The fruit was sourced entirely from the old-vine sections, planted in 1981. " – Antonio Galloni (Jan 2026)

96 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
"The nuttier of the two, the 2024 Chardonnay Charles Ranch pours a straw/platinum color and has more intensity and depth, with aromas of quince, toasted hazelnut, preserved citrus, beeswax, and subtle baking spice. Full-bodied, it has layered richness balanced by bright acidity and mineral tension, with a long, savory finish. Drink over the next 10-12 years. Drink 2026-2038." - Audrey Frick (Jun 2026)

96 Points - Decanter Magazine:
"Charles Ranch is another historic site on the Fort Ross–Seaview AVA - planted in 1981 on rocky soils, pre-phylloxera, with vines that have slowly reduced their yields over more than four decades. Only about 10 barrels of this wine are made each year. The 2024 opens with notes of citrus peel, stone fruit, honeyed chamomile tea and a whisper of fresh herbs. There’s a silky textural mouthfeel, but the finish stays clear and focused. Compared to the more electric 2023, this vintage shows a touch more roundness through the mid-palate, though it remains beautifully elegant throughout." - Ana Carolina Quintela (Mar 2026)