Winemaker Notes
Dynamic and multi-layered, the 2016 Kite’s Rest Vineyard Pinot Noir is a harmonious blend of the three distinct blocks that comprise their Anderson Valley estate vineyard. Lively violet, rose potpourri, plum, vanilla, and spice highlight the aromatic profile, while the edgy core of cranberry and raspberry gains dark berry richness on the long, gracefully structured finish.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
Good balance and a plethora of juicy, ripe fruit flavors highlight this full-bodied wine. It has generous black cherry and light baking-spice aromas, plenty of cherry and sour cherry in the flavors and a moderately tannic texture livened by good acidity.
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Jeb Dunnuck
A different beast coming from the Anderson Valley in Mendocino County, the 2016 Pinot Noir Kite’s Rest offers more red and blue fruits as well as notes of candied violets, bay leaf, underbrush, and incense. Supple, nicely textured, with terrific purity of fruit, and nicely integrated acidity, it’s another terrific wine from this estate.
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Wine Spectator
Complex and refined, if on a modest scale, this presents a trim mix of graceful plum and wild berry flavors shaded by spice and light oak notes, gaining depth and dimension on the finish.
Anderson Valley, located in Mendocino County just above Sonoma County, is one of California’s coolest AVAs, allowing it a long growing season. Only 15 miles long, the region makes a slice eastward through the mountains, from the frigid Pacific Ocean. Dramatic diurnal temperature variations here preserve grape acidity and thus freshness in the finished wines. These are prime conditions for growing Pinot Noir, and the valley produces many fine versions. Characteristics of Anderson Valley Pinot Noir typically include crisp acidity, cranberry and strawberry notes as well as earthy notes of forest floor and mushroom.
Still Pinot Noir, however, is only part of the story. Pinot Noir, along with Chardonnay, are also grown for Anderson Valley’s exceptional sparkling wines. Produced via the traditional method, these offer a classic toasty note from lees aging, bright, complex fruit notes and a clean, refreshing character.