Winemaker Notes
Kite's Rest Pinot Noir is the wine that Black Kite's estate hillside vineyard in Anderson Valley was designed to produce. It is a blend of three different clones (Dijon 114 and 115 and Pommard) from the three distinct vineyard blocks (Redwoods' Edge, Stony Terrace and River Turn) in the vineyard. This wine offers a wonderful balance between the elegance and aromatics of the Redwoods' Edge block with the richness and length of the Pommard clone from the Stony Terrace and River Turn blocks.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
Lavish ripe fruit flavors meet delicious baking-spice accents in this broad, smooth and mouthfilling wine. It's easy to love for the strawberry, and red- and black-cherry notes and the cinnamon, vanilla and cedar shadings from oak aging.
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Wine Spectator
Refined and precise, with hints of red licorice to the sleek assembly of cherry, dried berry and currant flavors. Loamy midpalate, with a long, crisp finish of slate and spice.
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.