2016 Black Kite Cellars: Sumptuous Pinot Noirs
Black Kite Cellars was originally founded to showcase the individual Pinot Noir blocks that comprise the
Green family’s 12-acre Kite’s Rest Vineyard in Anderson Valley. These three latest block releases are among
the best wines produced to date from this vineyard, offering bold extraction, ripe fruit and firm tannins, yet
appealing balance. These are not demure, timid Pinot Noir wines, but they offer the whole package of
hedonistic delight true to the Black Kite Cellars style and in this vintage display impeccable harmony. The
wines were aged in a significant percentage of new oak, yet one never thinks of oak in tasting these wines.
Black Kite Cellars wines are available through the winery at www.blackkitecellars.com, as well as through
distribution in select wine shops and restaurants nationally.
2016 Black Kite River Turn Block Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
14.6% alc., pH 3.40, TA 0.67, 131 cases,
$60. Pommard clone. Aged 18 months in French oak barrels, 66% new.
·
Moderately dark garnet color in the
glass. Aromas of ripe black fruits, seared beef, black olive and fertile earth. A mid weight plus styled wine with a
deliciously rich core of blackberry, black raspberry and cassis flavors supported by subtle oak flavors. Despite
the stunning fruit load, the wine is light on its feet with firm, but needed tannins and complimentary acidity. The
finish is noticeably extended. Still fat and lush when tasted the following day from a previously opened and recorked
bottle. This wine shows the most oak of the three block wines tasted, yet the barrel treatment is not
unduly aggressive.
Score: 93
2016 Black Kite Stony Terrace Block Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., pH 3.55, TA 0.64,
132 cases, $60. Pommard clone. Aged 18 months in French oak barrels, 66% new.
·
Moderately
dark garnet color in the glass. The nose features ripe, black fruits along with noticeable gravelly
“minerality.” Prodigious purple and black fruits flood the mouth with goodness, backed by bold
tannins in a mid weight plus style. The wine builds in appeal over time in the glass and when tasted
the following day. The seamless finish is gloriously long.
Score: 94
2016 Black Kite Redwood’s Edge Block Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., pH 3.50, TA 0.64, 132
cases, $60. Dijon 114 and 115 clones. Aged 18 months in
French oak barrels, 66% new.
·
Moderately dark garnet
color in the glass. Deep aromas of dark cherry and
blueberry-pomegranate. The mid weight plus palate of long
and powerful black fruits are framed by integrated bold
tannins. There is a nice complement of grilling spice flavor with a deft
kiss of oak. The finish is blissful and lengthy and the balance is flat-out
impeccable. Extremely seductive when tasted the following day from a
previously opened and re-corked bottle, again showing off gracious
harmony.
Score: 95
2016 Black Kite Gap’s Crown Vineyard Sonoma Coast Chardonnay
14.4% alc., pH 3.44, TA 0.61, 140
cases, $58. Dijon clones 76, 95, and 96. Aged 18 months in French oak barrels, 66% new.
·
Moderate golden
yellow in the glass. This is an oak-inspired Chardonnay offering aromas of toast and brioche along with
pineapple, lemongrass and honey. Richly fruited and intensely flavored, offering tastes of pineapple, yellow
apple, tropical fruits and a bit of oak-driven toast and coconut. The fruit assaults the palate with purpose, yet
the experience benefits from adequate acidity. The mouthfeel is slight viscous and comforting. This wine is a
dead ringer for the Aubert style of very expensive Chardonnay that many Chardonnay lovers are enamored
with.
Score: 92
|
|
|
