Black Kite Cellars, a family-run winery, specializing in block-designated Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. 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 Stony Terrace Block is one of the three foundational, four-acre estate parcels that comprise Black Kite Cellars’ Kite’s Rest Vineyard. Located in the cooler, coastal “deep end” of the Anderson Valley in Mendocino County, this specific block sits about 217 feet above the Navarro River, positioned between the flat, lower-elevation River Turn block and the higher-elevation Redwood’s Edge block.
Ruby red in color. 14.2% ABV. Pretty nose of red fruits, baking spices, cloves and sarsaparilla. Medium body with mouth watering acidity. Pronounced, upfront earthy fruits. Black cherry, cranberry, pomegranate and minerals on the palate. Tremendous length on the finish. The nose is the highlight here but this is an outstanding Anderson Valley Pinot Noir that is ready to drink. Best over the next several years.
My rating: 92 points.
The wines are available via the mailing list and the Black Kite web site.