The Kite’s Rest Vineyard in the Anderson Valley is a remarkable patch of land, yielding stunning Pinots from three separate blocks. The Redwoods’ Edge block in 2014 produced that rare California Pinot with Burgundian boundaries. That means restraint in the use of oak, elegance rather than richness, and subtle complexities that begin to shine after a generous aeration. Notes of dark cherry, raspberry and spice, firm tannins and the capacity to cellar. I recommend cellaring this beauty for another four to five years.
Black Kite, Anderson Valley (Mendocino County) Pinot Noir 2014
By Robert Whitley