March 2023 Wine Feature
New March 2023 Wine Feature at Catch 35!
Raeburn Wines – The name, Raeburn, is an Old English word that means, “the river where one drinks.” A fitting nod to those who prefer to slow down to observe, appreciate and flourish in nature’s surroundings.
On Catch 35’s Wine list
Raeburn Chardonnay, Sonoma County, CA, 2021
Bursting with fresh pear, apple, and nectarine tones. Complimented with toasted oak, and a hint of vanilla. Elegant and balanced finish.
VINIFICATION: First, the Chardonnay is hand-picked at dawn from several Sonoma County vineyards to maintain ideal brix levels of 24° to 24.5°. Once at the winery, we whole cluster press the fruit and gently rack into French and Hungarian oak barrels for fermentation. 75% barrel fermented and aged six months. Duo of French and Hungarian oak (50% new), 75% ML.
VINTAGE: In a year best described as a “cold start to a warm, fast finish,” reports from throughout Sonoma County indicate that the harvest was a little early. As a result, the grape yield appears to be slightly lighter to average yet the 2021 crop will be viewed as an excellent vintage.
WINEMAKER NOTES: Raeburn Chardonnay shows an array of complex fruit tones ranging from pear and Gravenstein apple to nectarine. The fruit is beautifully complemented with toasted oak, vanilla and hints of Crème Brûlée with a balanced and elegant finish.
Raeburn Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, CA, 2021
Lush wild blueberry, strawberry, blackberry, and cherry flavors, with earth and roasted hazelnut notes. Graceful and sophisticated finish.
VINIFICATION: First, hand-picked during the cool early morning hours to preserve their fresh, delicate flavors, pinot noir grapes transport to the winery. Next, upon arrival to the winery, destemming and a cold soak for several days, enhances the color and flavor. Thirdly, fermentation takes place in small, open top tanks with twice daily punch downs to intensify flavor and structure. Lastly, after a gentle pressing and racked into French oak barrels, 25% new, for 11 months of aging.
VINTAGE: The grapes that we sourced from the Russian River Valley region got off to a cold start that progressed to a warm & fast finish. Therefore, this pattern resulted in a slightly earlier and quicker harvest this year.
WINEMAKER NOTES: Brilliant crimson in color, Raeburn Russian River Valley Pinot Noir leads with pleasing aromas of berry pie, lavender and vanilla. In addition, the palate is marked with fresh fruit flavors of lush wild blueberry, raspberry, and cherry with undertones of roasted hazelnut. Finally, the finish is graceful and sophisticated.
From the Winery
Raeburn Wines are inspired by the winemaker’s mother, Phyllis Benham, who is most comfortable exploring the great outdoors. She taught him to appreciate nature’s gifts, and “to leave well enough alone.” They take the same approach when making wine, a task made easier when starting with grapes from Sonoma County’s finest vineyards. Crafted in their certified sustainable winery, Raeburn Wines are elegant, lush and balanced.
“Let’s raise a glass to the unique individuals who inspire each and every one of us.” -Derek Benham, Raeburn Winery Founder
Pairing Suggestions
Crab & Shrimp stuffed Salmon – Stuffed with lump crabmeat – shrimp – brie cheese – beurre blanc
The creamy brie cheese with bursts of nuts and lemon reinforce the notes of apples, ripe pears, vanilla and hint of caramel in the Raeburn Chardonnay.
House Smoked Shrimp – Alderwood smoked jumbo shrimp – Parmesan Cajun cream sauce
Decadent parmesan Cajun cream sauce of the smoked shrimp enriches the notes of spice, blueberries, raspberries, and sweet cherries in the Raeburn Pinot Noir.
Book your night out at www.catch35.com.
Catch 35 Chicago and Naperville offers the freshest seafood and from the farm dishes. Celebrate Lent with daily seafood specials paired with our extensive wine list.