Black Kite, Santa Lucia Highlands (Monterey County, California) Pinot Noir 2017

 While Black Kite’s estate vineyard in Mendocino’s Anderson Valley remains its star attraction, its other wines sourced from far-flung AVAs throughout California merit great respect.  Here winemaker Jeff Gaffner has crafted a beautiful Pinot Noir that delivers on the nose with aromas of dark cherry and tea leaf.  On the palate the wine is delicate and refined, with excellent depth and persistence through the finish.  And the best part is the price, especially for a vineyard-designate Pinot Noir from a top-notch producer.