Vineyard: Kite's Rest

Articles mentioning wines produced from this vineyard

Tasting of Anderson Valley Pinot Noirs (6.28 6/3/2007)
Anderson Valley Pinot Noir: Redemption in 2009 (8.35 4/11/2011)
Sips of Recently Tasted Wines (10.50 3/8/2017)
Black Kite Cellars: Three Gems in 2011 (9.37 2/4/2014)
Recently Tasted California Pinot Noir (11.29 8/24/2018)
Anderson Noir Valley Pinot Festival: After the Smoke Clears (8.16 6/8/2010)
Wineries in Anderson Valley and Mendocino Ridge* (6.60 6/9/2008)
Black Kite Offers Stunning Wines in 2010 (9.19 2/3/2013)
A Dozen California Wineries Offer Holiday Cheer (11.14 12/3/2017)
Sensations (6.61 7/7/2008)
Black Kite Cellars: Outstanding Pinot Noir in 2012 (10.3 1/22/2015)
Sips of Recently Tasted California Pinot Noir & Chardonnay (10.22 12/12/2015)
Recent Sips of Pinot Noir & A Few Whites (10.7 4/6/2015)
Anderson Noir Valley Pinot (Pt I) (7.18 5/26/2009)
More Anderson Noir Valley Pinot (9.8 6/24/2012)
Final California Wine Reviews of 2016 (10.44 12/13/2016)
Sips of Recently Tasted California Pinot Noir (9.34 12/17/2013)

Wineries sourcing from this vineyard

Black Kite Cellars

Reviewed wines produced from this vineyard

2016 Black Kite Kite’s Vineyard Rest Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.6% alc., pH 3.50, TA 0.64, 1,625 cases, $50. Dijon 114 and 115, and Pommard clones. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 66% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Reserved, but pleasant scents of dark berries, balsam and vanilla. Blessed with copious and well-ripened purple and black berry fruits. The fine-grain tannins are arrested, and the wine finishes with graciousness and length. There is more oak evident than balance would dictate, but otherwise a very enjoyable wine. Score: 90. Reviewed August 24, 2018 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2015 Black Kite Cellars Kite’s Rest Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.7% alc., pH 3.50, TA 0.61, 1,362 cases, $50. Dijon 114, 115 and Pommard. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 33% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. The nose leads with aromas of purple grape, pomegranate and nutty oak. Oak-kissed purple and black fruits arrive on the palate with a rush, showing good mid palate presence and finishing persistence. Somewhat burly, unresolved tannins show up on the finish. More appealing when tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Score: 92. Reviewed December 3, 2017 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2015 Black Kite Cellars Redwoods’ Edge Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., pH 3.50, TA 0.63, 194 cases, $60. Clones 114 and 115. Aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 66% new. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Engaging aromas of cherry, allspice, bark and cigar box. Soft and plush in the mouth in a light to mid weight style, offering heady flavors of boysenberry, black raspberry and black cherry with a hint of anise. Well-crafted, with balanced tannins and a richlyfruited finish of some note. The lightest and most approachable wine in the 2015 lineup. Score: 93. Reviewed December 3, 2017 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2015 Black Kite Cellars Stony Terrace Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., pH 3.55, TA 0.64, 195 cases, $60. Pommard clone. Aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 66% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Shy nose initially, opening up slowly to offer aromas of blackberry jam and a waft of oak. Mid weight plus in style, with a generous layer of blueberry, blackberry and pomegranate fruit flavors accented with oak vanillin. Sleek and quite appealing in texture, with impressive length and finishing power. This wine has the most aggressive tannins at present, arriving with a rush on the somewhat astringent finish. When tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, the wine was more aromatic and the tannins less noticeable. Best to decant if you must drink now. Score: 92. Reviewed December 3, 2017 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 Black Kite Cellars Kite’s Rest Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.9% alc., 1,254 cases, $50. Clones 114, 115 and Pommard. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 33% new. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Aromas of dark cherry and berry and spice with plenty of oak chiming in harmony. Well ripened mid plus style wine with flavors of black cherry, coffee and toast. Structured with a very appealing silky texture and not too warm. The mouthfeel is the best feature, but there is too much oak overlay for full enjoyment. Score: 89. Reviewed December 13, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 Black Kite Cellars Redwoods’ Edge Block Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.7% alc., 193 cases, $60. Clones 114 and 115. Aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 66% new. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. The nose opens slowly with swirling offering aromas of black cherry and baking cocoa. Deeply flavored dark, dark black cherry and spice framed by fine-grain tannins and integrated oak. The silky texture appeals and the wine finishes with juiciness and extended length. Score: 91. Reviewed December 13, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 Black Kite Cellars River Turn Block Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.9% alc., 193 cases, $60. 100% Pommard clone. Aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 66% new. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Moody aromas of dark cherry and berry, dark chocolate, barbecue and oak. Full bodied, with a luxurious core of velvety-textured purple and black berry fruits. A ripe, hedonistic wine, with edgy tannins that fit in and balance nicely the prodigious fruit. Score: 91. Reviewed December 13, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 Black Kite Cellars Stony Terrace Block Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.8% alc., 193 cases, $60. 100% Pommard clone. Aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 66% new. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Aromas of piquant coffee grounds and black cherry. The mid weight plus core of darkest cherry, boysenberry and blackberry fruits are framed by firm tannins. Similar to the River Turn, but more vibrancy and more tannin. The lasting finish reveals some subtle alcoholic heat. Score: 90. Reviewed December 13, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 Black Kite Angel Hawk Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.8% alc., pH 3.45, TA 0.61, 152 cases, $85. Released February 2017. A reserve bottling comprised of the vintage’s best and most age worthy barrels from each block of the Kite’s Rest Vineyard. Clones 114, 115 and Pommard. Aged 22 months in French oak barrels. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. The nose is filled with spices such as clove, cardamom and turmeric in harmony with well-ripened dark cherry fruit. Potent and sappy on the palate, with well-spiced dark fruit flavors flooding the mouth, yet light on its feet, with integrated firm tannins and skillful use of oak. Not really a terroir-driven wine, but offers an unrivaled hedonistic drinking experience. Score: 93. Reviewed March 6, 2017 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Black Kite Cellars “Redwoods Edge” Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.8% alc., pH 3.60, TA 0.58, 335 cases, $60. Dijon 114 and 115 clones planted at Kite’s Rest Vineyard. 321 feet elevation, north facing, loam soils. Yields 1.5-2.0 tons per acre. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 50% new. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Aromas of macerated dark cherries and spicy, smoky oak lead to a charming medium- bodied core of cherry and huckleberry fruit flavors underlain with smoky oak and a touch of umami. The tannins are balanced and the finish is courageous and juicy. The wine is lavishly oaked and shows a slight bit of alcoholic warmth on the finish, but still has a lot to recommend. Score: 90. Reviewed December 12, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Black Kite Cellars “River Turn” Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.6% alc., pH 3.45, TA 0.62, 352 cases, $60. Pommard clone planted at Kite’s Rest Vineyard. Elevation 130 feet, north facing, sandy and silty loam soils, yields 2.5 tons per acre.Aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 50% new. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Initially shy aromas of oak-kissed black cherry fruit pick up intensity over time in the glass. Intense attack of cherry and strawberry fruit with an earthy bent. Structured with well-proportioned tannins, a measured use of oak, and an edgy, generous and lengthy finish. Score: 92. Reviewed December 12, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Black Kite Cellars “Stony Terrace” Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.8% alc., pH 3.60, TA 0.58, 350 cases, $60. Pommard clone grown at Kite’s Rest Vineyard. Elevation 217 feet, north facing, gravelly loam soils, yields 1.0-2.5 tons per acre. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 50% new. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Very fragrant, with aromas of black cherry, black raspberry, woodlands, sous-bois and a floral note elevating from the glass. Inviting richness of darker cherry and berry flavors are backed by mildly firm tannins and juicy acidity. Silky in the mouth, with a vibrant and flavorful finish that really hangs on. Score: 93. Reviewed December 12, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Black Kite Angel Hawk Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.9% alc., 190 cases, pH 3.56, TA 0.58, $85. Clones 114, 115 and Pommard. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Gorgeous label. The aromas leap from the glass, penetrating the olfactory senses with black cherry, blackberry, peat, citrus, cardamom and redwood timber scents. Luscious, but angelic on the palate, with mid weight plus flavors of black cherry and black raspberry fruits. A very sexy wine with a velvety mouthfeel, silky tannins, complimentary oak, and enough acid to energize the luscious fruit load. Even better the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, offering an incredible attack and finish and a just plain delicious drinking experience. A serious wine with intentions. Score: 94. Reviewed April 4, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Black Kite Cellars “Kite’s Rest” Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.8% alc., pH 3.60, TA 0.59, 898 cases, $48. Released November 2014. Aged 11 months in 100% new French oak barrels, 33% of which were new. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Flamboyant nose of bright scents of black raspberry, blackberry, tea and expressive spice. The flavors echo the nose with added hints of black plum, cola and oak. Juicy, with admirable oak integration, modest tannins, and a generous cherry-driven finish. A welcoming wine that aims to please. Score: 92. Reviewed January 22, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Black Kite Cellars “Redwoods’ Edge” Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.9% alc., pH 3.70, TA 0.57, 198 cases, $60. Released November 2014. Aged 11 months in 100% French oak barrels, 66% of which were new. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Elevating aromas of black cherry cordial, baking spice and vanilla. Perks up the palate upon entry with delicious flavors of black cherry, black raspberry, plum, Asian 5-spice and vanilla. Very smoothly textured with hedonistic concentration and a balanced tannic backbone. Amazingly long finish fueled by bright acidity that lasts over 30 seconds. This wine really taps the pleasure centers in the brain. Score: 94. Reviewed January 22, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2011 Black Kite Kite’s Rest Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., pH 3.70, TA 0.57, 953 cases, $45. Aged 11 months in 50% new French oak barrels. · Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. Nicely scented with aromas of cherry, ripe strawberry and spice rub. Mid weight tasty cherry core with undertones of strawberry and spice. Refined, elegant and on the lighter side in this vintage. Appealing for its crisp, juicy presence and finish. Holds up nicely over time in the glass. Score: 91. Reviewed December 18, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2011 Black Kite Cellars Redwood’s Edge Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., pH 3.60, TA 0.55, 149 cases, $55. Aged 11 months in 66% new French oak barrels. · Medium reddish purple color in the glass. Very expressive nose that expands over time in the glass. Aromas of black cherry, spice box and clove. Very stylish with mid weight flavors of black cherry and black raspberry with complimentary oak in the background. The overall impression is juiciness of fruit with a pleasing savory, earthy bent. The wine is the most brooding of the 2011 lineup and should benefit from more time in bottle to allow the firm tannins and oak to integrate. Better the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Could prove to be the best wine of the three reviewed here over time. Score: 91. Reviewed February 4, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2011 Black Kite Cellars River Turn Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., pH 3.60, TA 0.55, 148 cases, $55. Aged 11 months in 66% new French oak barrels. · Moderate reddish purple hue in the glass. Be sure you are sitting down when you taste this charmer. The aromas leap out of the glass with purpose, offering scents of black cherry, black raspberry, Asian 5-spice and a hint of oak. The most sappy and forward of the three 2011 Pinots tasted here. Flat-out delicious with layers of flavor including black cherry liquor, black raspberry jam, and Hoison sauce. The fine-grain tannins are svelte, the balancing acidity is spot on, and the finish is filled with sweet-scented and saucy fruit. The finish is even more intense and persistence the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Log on to deliciouspinot.com for a good time. Score: 94. Reviewed February 4, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2011 Black Kite Cellars Stony Terrace Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., pH 3.60, TA 0.56, 203 cases, $55. Aged 11 months in 66% new French oak barrels. · Medium reddish purple color in the glass. The aromas are slow to arrive in the glass, becoming spectacular the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Very ripe, dark red and black fruits are featured, especially black raspberry, with hints of spice, dark chocolate and black currant. The tannins are modest, the acidity is bright and uplifting, and the special finish is vigorous with flavor and character. This wine will benefit from decanting or cellaring for a few years. Score: 93. Reviewed February 4, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2010 Black Kite Cellars Kite’s Rest Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., pH 3.50, TA 0.66, 541 cases, $45. · Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. Intense aromas of fresh black cherries with a hint of cardamom spice. Mid weight flavors of black cherries backed by balanced fine-grain tannins, offering some length on the bright finish. A suave mouth feel adds to the pleasure. Very good. Reviewed February 4, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2010 Black Kite Cellars Redwoods Edge Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.6% alc., pH 3.50, TA 0.67, 149 cases, $55. · Medium reddish-purple hue in the glass. Charming perfume of black cherries, blackberries and wooded forest, penetrating and possessing staying power over time in the glass. Bigger, riper, more structured, and more intense than the estate vineyard bottling yet still crisp and lively offering an enticing velvety texture and a monumental finish flush with fresh berry flavor that will not let go. Reviewed February 4, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2010 Black Kite Cellars River Turn Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.6% alc., phj 3.60, TA 0.61, 150 cases, $55. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Lovely aromas of cherry pie glaze, baking spice and sandalwood. This wine is all about spicy, red pie cherries. Supple tannins, bright acidity, and good length on the finish. A very pleasing red fruit festival that is the most feminine wine in the lineup and the epitome of pinotosity. Reviewed February 4, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2010 Black Kite Cellars Stony Terrace Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.6% alc., pH 3.60, TA 0.66, 153 cases, $55. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. The nose is very pleasing initially, offering scents of dark fruits, soy, sassafras, forest floor and cedary oak. Tasty core of red cherries and berries with a note of pine in the background. Crisp, with tame tannins, a touch of classy oak, and some length on the finish. Even better the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Very good (+). Reviewed February 4, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2009 Black Kite Kite’s Rest Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.8% alc., pH 3.60, VA 0.59, 1,000 cases, $42. The Green family owns the 12-acre Kite’s Rest Vineyard in Anderson Valley’s Deep End, farmed under the direction of noted viticulturist, Paul Ardzrooni. The winemaker is veteran Jeff Gaffner. A blend of the 3 4-acre blocks in the vineyard. · Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. Very attractive scents of fresh cherries and red plums with more subtle accents of Spanish spices, dried rose petals and brewed coffee. A real lip-smacker with juicy spiced plum flavor and notes of tea leaves, clove and oak. The mid-palate is rich, round and mature with plenty of vim on the crisp, long finish. A very harmonious wine that will age beautifully and one to savor over a meal with good friends. Reviewed April 11, 2011 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2009 Black Kite Angel Hawk Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.6% alc., pH 3.50, TA 0.58, 100 cases, $75. A reserve wine from Kite’s Rest Vineyard aged 20 months in 100% new French oak and 7 months in bottle. · Deep, dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Very fragrant, offering a perfume of ripe plums, blueberries, Moroccan spices, oak and sweet pipe smoke. Bigshouldered and richly endowed with spiced dark stone fruits backed by wellproportioned firm tannins and toasty oak, offering a creamy texture, and finishing with impressive length. Tasted the next day from a previously opened and recorked bottle, the wine was still burly and flashy with plenty of oak and tannin. Very California at heart and seductive for those who relish this style. Very good. Reviewed June 24, 2012 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2008 Black Kite Kite’s Rest Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.8% alc., 883 cases, $42. A blend of Redwood’s Edge and Stony Terrace vineyard blocks from the estate 12-acre vineyard in Anderson Valley’s deep end. Clonal mix is Dijon 114, 115 and Pommard. · Noticeable cigar ash aromas overshadow the fruit. Heavy sweet smoke flavor obscures the ripe fruit core. Could not get past a sip or two. Unsatisfactory. Reviewed June 8, 2010 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Black Kite Cellars Kite’s Rest Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.8% alc., 726 cases, $42. · A shy but perfume of darker fruits, oak and a whiff of alcohol. Discreet and tasty black raspberry, strawberry, chocolate and oak flavors wrapped around supple tannins with a dry and fruity finish. Not quite as good as the 2006 vintage, but very commendable. Tasted three times on separate occasions with consistent results. Reviewed May 26, 2009 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Black Kite Cellars River Turn Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.8% alc., 195 cases, $52. Released in May, 2009. · Very pretty black cherry robe. Exotically perfumed with wild berries, black cherries, herbs and grass. Perfect balance of ripe raspberry and blackberry fruit, vibrant acidity and refined tannins. The mouth feel is soft and gentle with an endless finish that holds on tight for what seems an eternity. Is there an app for this? Reviewed May 26, 2009 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2006 Black Kite Kite’s Rest Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.76% alc., <500 cases, $38. · This wine draws you in with terrific black cherry, dark chocolate and spicy oak scents. Richly layered with dark fruits including plum with a nice sidecar of oak. Velvety in texture, clean, and beautifully composed. This one captures both the power and finesse of Pinot Noir. Everything you could want and some things you didn’t know to ask for. Flat out terrific. Reviewed June 9, 2008 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2006 Black Kite Cellars River Turn Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

$48. Four Pinot Noirs are offered from the Black Kite Estate Vineyard in the cool deep-end of the Anderson Valley. The talented winemaker is Jeff Gaffner (left) and the viticulturalist is Paul Ardzrooni (right). The Kite’s Rest bottling was favorably reviewed in PinotFile, Volume 6, Issue 60. Three other bottlings are from special blocks in the vineyard (River Turn, Stony Terrace, and Redwood’s Edge). I found the River Turn the most approachable now of the block-designate Pinot Noirs. · Like the Kite’s Rest, it offers flashy and showy dark red fruits, mouthwatering acidity, and a lingering aromatic finish. I wrote excellent with an exclamation point. Reviewed July 7, 2008 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2005 Black Kite Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.7% alc., 289 cases, $35. · The darkest Pinot in the tasting. The nose is rich with crushed blackberries, a little game and sweet oak. This is an “in-your-face” wine which is BIG. Generous and fruity rather than classy or complex. Reviewed June 3, 2007 WINERY » ARTICLE »