2019 Woodenhead Ritchie Vineyard Martini Clone Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

13.6% alc., pH 3.57, TA 0.67, 158 cases, $56. The vines are 47 years old and Woodenhead has been purchasing Pinot Noir from Kent Ritchie since 2010. There are several Pinot Noir blocks in the Ritchie Vineyard: the Cinder Cone is Martini and Pommard clones, another bock is exclusively Swan clone and adjacent is a block solely planted to Martini clone. Most recently, Nikolai has sourced the Martini clone block for its superiority. Often the grapes are blended into the winery’s Russian River Valley bottling or the popular Wet Kiss Pinot Noir but in 2019 the grapes were exceptional. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Very engaging aromas of purple and black berry fruits with a floral accent. Discretely rich in a mid-weight style, with earth- kissed blackberry and black currant fruit flavors. The tannins are well-proportioned and there is admirable length on the dry finish. This wine reflects the typical expression of the Martini clone. Score: 93. Reviewed December 3, 2022

Winery: Woodenhead
From article: Woodenhead Vintners