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| Drinking Windows and Values |
| Community Tasting History |
| Community Tasting Notes (average 90.8 pts. and median of 91 pts. in 29 notes) - hiding notes with no text | | | Tasted by corkscrews on 6/16/2018 & rated 91 points: A nose of some cherry and some spice, dark ruby in color. A medium to full bodied red, with black cherry, blueberry, cola and spice on finish, was very good. www.winelx.com (1720 views) | | | Tasted by Winokdub on 5/10/2016 & rated 93 points: Exceptional Pinot. Wow. My first black kite and I am impressed. (2693 views) | | | Tasted by brianofthevine on 4/2/2016 & rated 90 points: Red cherry, raspberry, and plum fruit with earth and spice notes. Decent acidity to it, nice finish but not long. (2644 views) | | | Tasted by RGCM Gananda on 6/21/2015 & rated 93 points: This is simply a beautiful bottle of pinot noir. Now at peak, it shows a delightful mix of black cherry and black raspberry with increasing depth and complexity as it moves towards the finish. Perfectly integrated now, it comes off like black velvet. Blackberry, light spices, earth and a light mineral note on the finish. Retains good tannic structure throughout, but fully integrated - no rough edges whatsoever and good acidity on the finish. While this wine has several years of life in front of it, there's nothing to be gained by holding it further. I would probably drink it in the next 18 months or so as it's drinking too well now to miss. (2854 views) | | | Tasted by RGCM Gananda on 8/3/2014 & rated 93 points: Beautiful nose of berries and a variety of floral notes. Medium bodied and mouth-coatingly rich and round. An outstanding mix of mostly blackfruit, emphasizing black cherry and black raspberry. Good length on the finish with nearly fully integrated tannins providing solid structure. Strengths of this wine were its balance, integration and richness; it was a real joy to drink and reminded me why I like pinot noir so much. I think this wine is close to peak, but considering how much it deepened over the four hours we drank it, it should stay at this level for awhile. (3540 views) | | | Tasted by brianofthevine on 4/14/2014 & rated 91 points: Tart red cherry and cola notes with subtle spice. Good acidity, nice finish. (2032 views) | | | Tasted by tomherer on 1/3/2014 & rated 91 points: Very nicely balanced. Blueberry and wild berry framed by creamy oak. Tart cranberry, good acidity. Nice dusty minerality on the lingering finish. Tasty Pinot, but 50/50 on a revisit given the fairly high tariff. (2489 views) | | | Tasted by Barry Notes on 12/16/2013 & rated 90 points: PnP. Clear, deep purple color. Med body, good/proper fruit profile & balance. Clean, med finish. Nothing off. Good drinking window. $49 (2341 views) | | | Tasted by Hoffmnron on 10/24/2013 & rated 93 points: Excellent Pinot. First taste of Black Kite. Sparkles across the tongue. Definite winner. (1873 views) | | | Tasted by Slics on 3/28/2013 flawed bottle: Corked. Really corked. Very sad. Followed up w 2010 River Turn which was fine. (2366 views) | | | Tasted by MeMyself&I on 3/2/2013 & rated 89 points: Had a glass @ Willi's Wine Bar tonight. Big and rich. great fruit and nicely balanced. (1636 views) | | | Tasted by rjonwine@gmail.com on 2/3/2013 & rated 92 points: Medium dark ruby color; light sandalwood, tart strawberry, tart raspberry, ripe cranberry nose; tart red fruit, tart raspberry, tart cherry, mineral palate with sweet tannins; needs 1 year; medium-plus finish (14.5% alcohol; 3.5 pH; sample provided by winery) (726 views) | | | Tasted by rjonwine@gmail.com on 1/26/2013 & rated 91 points: Medium dark black-tinged cherry red color; spicy cherry, black raspberry, baking spice nose; rich, spicy, youthful, tart cherry, black raspberry palate with good acidity; needs 2 years; medium-plus finish (14.5% alcohol; 11 mos in oak) (651 views) | | | Tasted by JimN on 1/3/2013 & rated 88 points: Pop and pour, which was a mistake. Needs cellar time and air time upon opening. Very tight, alcohol evident, but rich fruit and a spicy nose. Hold. (1457 views) | | | Tasted by rjonwine@gmail.com on 10/21/2012 & rated 88 points: 2012 Pinot on the River (Town Square, Healdsburg, California): Medium dark cherry red color; black cherry, vanilla nose; tart black cherry, black raspberry, hibiscus palate; medium-plus finish (1357 views) | | | Only displaying the 25 most recent notes - click to see all notes for this wine... |
| By Josh Raynolds
Vinous, May/June 2013, IWC Issue #168
(Black Kite Cellars Pinot Noir Kite's Rest Anderson Valley) Subscribe to see review text. | By Gregory Walter
PinotReport, Issue #86 (4/15/2013)
(Black Kite Cellars Pinot Noir Kite's Rest Vineyard Anderson Valley) Login and sign up and see review text. | By Richard Jennings
RJonWine.com (2/3/2013)
(Black Kite Pinot Noir Kite's Rest) Medium dark ruby color; light sandalwood, tart strawberry, tart raspberry, ripe cranberry nose; tart red fruit, tart raspberry, tart cherry, mineral palate with sweet tannins; needs 1 year; medium-plus finish (14.5% alcohol; 3.5 pH; sample provided by winery) 92 points | By Richard Jennings
RJonWine.com (1/26/2013)
(Black Kite Pinot Noir Kite's Rest) Medium dark black-tinged cherry red color; spicy cherry, black raspberry, baking spice nose; rich, spicy, youthful, tart cherry, black raspberry palate with good acidity; needs 2 years; medium-plus finish (14.5% alcohol; 11 mos in oak) 91 points | By Richard Jennings
RJonWine.com (10/21/2012)
(Black Kite Pinot Noir Kite's Rest) Medium dark cherry red color; black cherry, vanilla nose; tart black cherry, black raspberry, hibiscus palate; medium-plus finish 88 points |
NOTE: Scores and reviews are the property of Vinous and PinotReport and RJonWine.com. (manage subscription channels) |
| Black Kite Producer website
Black Kite Cellars is an Anderson Valley, California winery dedicated to Pinot Noir. The 40 acre site is in proximity to the Navarro River in a section of Anderson Valley know as “Deep End”. The site was purchased in 1995 by Donald and Maureen Green and three generations of the Green family are involved in winery operations. In 1999 12 acres were planted to Pinot Noir. Vineyard management is handled by Paul Ardzronni who started in 2004. Wine making is handling by Jeff Gaffner who began duties with the 2005 vintage. The vineyard is divided into three blocks of 4 acres each. Redwood’s Edge planted with 114 and 115 clones, Stoney Terrace planted with Pommard. River Turn planted with Pommard. While Black Kite released their first wine in 2003, it was the 2005 vintage when Jeff Gaffner made the wines that brought the winery notoriety. Reviews were extremely favorable with most publications scoring the three releases in the low 90's. Pinot Noir Varietal character (Appellation America) | Varietal article (Wikipedia)
Pinot Noir is the Noble red grape of Burgundy, capable of ripening in a cooler climate, which Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot will not reliably do. It is unpredictable and difficult both to grow and to vinify, but results in some of the finest reds in the world. It is believed to have been selected from wild vines two thousand years ago. It is also used in the production of champagne. In fact, more Pinot Noir goes into Champagne than is used in all of the Cote d'Or! It is also grown in Alsace, Jura, Germany, the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Romania, Switzerland, Austria, Croatia, Serbia, Italy, and so forth, with varying degrees of success.
Pinot Noir is one of the world's most prestigious grapes. It is very difficult to grow and thrives well in France, especially in Champagne and Burgundy. Pinot Noir thrives less in hot areas, is picky on soil, and deserves some oak storage.
Pinot Noir, or Blauburgunder / Spätburgunder in German, is a blue grapevine - and, as the German name suggests, the grape comes originally from Burgundy in France.
The grape, which thrives in calcareous soils, is used primarily for the production of red wine, and it is widely regarded as producing some of the best wines in the world. The wine style is often medium-bodied with high fruit acidity and soft tannins. It can be quite peculiar in fragrance and taste, and not least in structure - which may be why it is referred to as "The Grapes Ballerina".
Pinot Noir is also an important ingredient in sparkling wines, not least in champagne since it is fruity, has good acidity and contains relatively little tannins.
The grape is considered quite demanding to grow. The class itself consists of tightly packed grapes, which makes it more sensitive to rot and other diseases.
Pinot Noir changes quite easily and is genetically unstable. It buds and matures early which results in it often being well ripened. Climate is important for this type of grape. It likes best in cool climates - in warm climates the wines can be relaxed and slightly pickled.
In cooler climates, the wine can get a hint of cabbage and wet leaves, while in slightly warmer regions we often find notes of red berries (cherries, strawberries, raspberries, currants), roses and slightly green notes when the wine is young. With age, more complex aromas of forest floor, fungi and meat emerge.
In Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Hungary, it often produces light wines with less character. However, it has produced very good results in California, Oregon and New Zealand.
With its soft tannins and delicate aroma, it is excellent for white fish, chicken and light meat. For the stored wines you can serve small game. Classic duck breast is a matter of course, a Boeuf Burgundy and Pinot Noir are pure happiness.
Pinot Noir loses quality by over-harvesting.
Pinot Noir is prone to diseases, especially rot and mildew. Viruses cause major problems especially in Burgundy.
Pinot Noir are large round grapes with thin skins. Relatively high in alcohol content. Medium rich tannins and good with acid.
As a young person, Pinot Noir has a distinctly fruity character such as raspberries, cherries and strawberries.
A mature Pinot Noir, the taste is different. Cherry goes into plum and prune flavors. It smells of rotten leaves, coffee, moist forest floor and animal wine. This must be experienced.
In warm climates you find boiled plum, some rustic, little acid.
If the grapes are over-grown, the wine will be thin, with little color and flavor.USAAmerican wine has been produced since the 1500s, with the first widespread production beginning in New Mexico in 1628. Today, wine production is undertaken in all fifty states, with California producing 84% of all U.S. wine. The continent of North America is home to several native species of grape, including Vitis labrusca, Vitis riparia, Vitis rotundifolia, and Vitis vulpina, but the wine-making industry is based almost entirely on the cultivation of the European Vitis vinifera, which was introduced by European settlers. With more than 1,100,000 acres (4,500 km2) under vine, the United States is the fourth-largest wine producing country in the world, after Italy, Spain, and France.California2021 vintage: "Unlike almost all other areas of the state, the Russian River Valley had higher than normal crops in 2021, which has made for a wine of greater generosity and fruit forwardness than some of its stablemates." - Morgan Twain-Peterson North CoastThe North Coast American Viticultural Area (AVA) in California, covering more than three million acres, includes Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino and Lake counties, and portions of Marin and Solano counties. (see The Wine Institute for more information)Anderson Valleyhttp://www.avwines.com/anderson-valley-appellation-map/
Anderson Valley stretches from Yorkville Highlands (located in a highland meadow straddling the upper Rancheria Creek and upper Dry Creek watersheds) through Boonville (located on Anderson Creek) and Philo (located on Indian Creek) to Navarro (located on Soda Creek). Rancheria, Anderson, Indian and Soda creeks are tributaries to the Navarro River, which flows north and west through the coastal range to the Pacific Ocean; Dry Creek flows south into the Russian River watershed in Sonoma County. The main stem of the Navarro River begins less than a mile south of Philo at the confluence of Anderson Creek and Rancheria Creek. The mouth of the Navarro is 10 miles (16 km) south of Mendocino, California. Encompassing 315 square miles (816 km²), the Navarro River watershed is the largest coastal basin in Mendocino County.
Such unique geography results in a wide diurnal range, with daily high and low temperatures occasionally diverging 40 or 50 degrees. This enables Pinot Noir growers to keep acid development in line with sugar and flavor formation through long, warm Indian summers. It also makes for superb Gewurztraminer and Riesling, giving rise to the valley’s annual Alsatian Varietals and Pinot Noir festivals.
The climate in the Anderson Valley appellation is tempered by cool marine air. Steep hills and mountains surround rolling to nearly level alluvial terraces. The dominant natural vegetation is a mixed forest of Coast Redwood, various native oak varieties, and Douglas-fir. Elevation ranges from sea level to 2,500 feet (760 m). The average annual precipitation ranges from 35 to 80 inches (900 to 2000 mm). The average annual temperature is about 53 °F (12 °C), and the average frost-free season ranges from 220 to 365 days. Towards the coast the summers are cool and moist with frequent fog, while the interior Anderson Valley proper features a warm to hot summer climate similar to nearby interior regions, with daytime highs occasionally in excess of 100 °F (38 °C).
Visitors to the Valley should come prepared for cool evenings and warm days. Locals dress in layers year round. |
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