2014 Cinque Insieme Pinot Noir Ritchie Vineyard Russian River Valley 750 ml

Cinque Insieme joins Ramey, Hobbs, and Aubert at Ritchie Vineyard

Over the last few years, a group of Russian Valley winemakers have been exploring the intricacies of their AVA, and have come up with a concept that may well change the way we evaluate the Pinot Noirs of the region.

While the hierarchy of Burgundy’s Pinot Noir vineyards, based on attributes of climate, soil composition, and exposure, was defined in 1855, the Russian River Valley has no such rankings. Now, many of Sonoma’s most cutting-edge Pinot Noir winemakers are illustrating Russian River’s distinctions, offering collectors and enthusiasts a new perspective on the “neighborhoods” of the valley.

The portion of the Russian River Valley found as you drive south of Healdsburg, until the river takes a right turn and heads towards the ocean, is called the “Middle Reach.” Here you’ll find the historic Bacigalupi Vineyard, as well as Williams Selyem, Arista, and Bucher.

South of the Middle Reach, there’s a low-lying ridge of hills that separates the Green Valley from the plain of Santa Rosa. “Laguna Ridge” is home to Joseph Swan, Merry Edwards, and the Davis Family.

Just between Laguna Ridge and Middle Reach lies what many believe to be the finest Pinot Noir vineyard land in Russian River Valley. This magnificent swath in an as-yet-unnamed “neighborhood” is planted largely to the Calera clone, interspersed with rows of Clone 115 and 828. Arguably the most sought-after vineyard in the valley — attracting the likes of David Ramey, Paul Hobbs, and Marc Aubert — is the meticulously farmed Ritchie Vineyard. Planted on a mix of sandy Goldridge soils and volcanic ash, Kent Ritchie’s vineyard oasis ekes out just 2.5 tons per acre of succulent Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, making for wines of exquisite purity, concentration, and tension.

The winemaking pedigrees of Ramey, Hobbs, and Aubert have earned them the privilege of including the “Ritchie Vineyard” name on their front labels. It’s a testament to the extraordinary quality of this stunning first release that Cinque Insieme has been granted the same opportunity.

The 2014 Cinque Insieme Pinot Noir Ritchie Vineyard is brilliant ruby-purple in hue. Luscious aromas of crushed black raspberries, black cherry, and kirsch. Ultra-concentrated, juicy, dense, and plush, filled with a tremendous primary-fruit intensity, with a mix of red- and black-fruit preserves, braced with textbook Ritchie Vineyard acidity and tension. Drink now-2022.

$45 on release. Just $19.99 this morning for a fortunate few. 900 bottles are up for grabs.