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.
Angel Hawk Pinot Noir is the reserve wine from Black Kite that they produce from Kite’s Rest Vineyard only in the best vintages.
Dark crimson in color. 14.5% ABV. Brooding nose of dark fruits, plums, baking spices and forest floor. Medium to full bodied with super acidity. Rich, dark and concentrated. Black cherry, black raspberry, Asian spices and earth on the palate. Exceptional length on the finish. Unique Pinot Noir that was darker and more backward than I expected. This will benefit from several more years in the cellar. Best after 2024.
My rating: 92 points.
The wines are available via the mailing list and the Black Kite web site.