Black Kite Cellars, a family-run winery in Anderson Valley, specializes in block-designated Pinot Noir from the Kite’s Rest Vineyard. Founded by Donald and Maureen Green in 2003, Black Kite is named for the beautiful but endangered Black Shouldered Kite that is native to the Anderson Valley. Jeff Gaffner of Saxon Brown is the consulting winemaker.
The Kite’s Rest is their entry-level wine and runs $48 off the mailing list (there are also several block-designate wines including Stony Terrace, River Turn and Redwoods’ Edge).
Ruby red in color. 14.3% ABV. Fantastic nose of red fruits, nutmeg and pine needles. Medium body with medium to strong acidity. Somewhat lean fruit profile. Black cherry, anise, earth and citrus on the palate. The wine comes up a little short on the finish. A reflection of the marginal vintage. Drink over the next 2-4 years.
My rating: 89 points.
I previously wrote about Black Kite in Mailing Lists: Excellent California Wines Without the Wait, and this is a winery I am keeping my eye on. Delicious and consistent. The vineyard and wines show a tremendous amount of promise.
The wines are available via the mailing list and the Black Kite web site.
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