The Philosophy
Black Kite Cellars is a small, family owned and operated winery, dedicated to producing the finest Pinot Noir and Chardonnay using the best growing and winemaking practices applied to vineyards ideally situated for these classic Burgundian varietals. Mayacama member Don Green’s daughter and son-in-law, Rebecca and Tom Birdsall, fell in love with the wines and lifestyle of Burgundy during a bike tour. They believed they could apply the Burgundian terroir oriented approach in California and created Black Kite Cellars in 2003. The Kite, Don’s favorite bird, can be seen gracefully hovering over Mayacama in search of prey.
The winemaking team features Jeff Gaffner, owner and winemaker at Saxon Brown, one of the stars of the California wine scene. Jeff has become one of the most sought after consulting winemakers for artisan labels, having gained critical acclaim and a loyal following for his site-specific focus and restrained winemaking style. The Wall Street Journal has said that they “love his vineyard voice”, while the Wine Spectator has lauded his winemaking as “deft”. He was named winemaker of the year in 1999 and is featured in the May 31st issue of the Wine Spectator.
Their mix of vineyards and styles offer wine drinkers an enticing menu with wines to drink and cellar now. Black Kite’s vineyard sources include the Anderson Valley in Mendocino, Sonoma Coast and the Santa Lucia Highlands. Their wines are vibrant, with intense character and they show the power and elegance.
The Wines
2014 Chardonnay, Sierra Mar Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands
Elegantly textured and sleekly focused with a dynamic interplay between bright acidity and rich texture. Green apple, tangerine, lemon oil and ripe pineapple give way to richer lemon custard and vanillin oak notes on the expansive palate with more sweet oak and a long finish.
2014 Chardonnay, Gap’s Crown Vineyard, Sonoma Coast
An incredibly seductive wine, conjuring the tropical fruit and sweet floral headiness of an island getaway. Bright pineapple, white blossom, and white peach aromatics leap from the glass, gaining creamy hazelnut and coconut notes on the richly integrated palate. A bit shy upon release, this wine is starting to open up exploding with intensely concentrated flavors and extraordinary richness.
2013 Pinot Noir, Redwoods Edge, Estate Vineyard, Anderson Valley
A very showy Pinot that promises big returns for those willing to lay it down for a few years or properly decant. Complex and age-worthy with a delicious core of concentrated cola, black cherry, sweet tea, dried flora and lavender balanced by plenty of structure and a never-ending finish.
2013 Pinot Noir, Stoney Terrace, Estate, Anderson Valley
Destined to be a favorite for its incredible richness and length. This Pinot Noir serves up tons of black fruit-plum, bing cherry and blackberry dominate plus notes of cassis, sweet tobacco and cola. From the generous entry to the lingering finish, the palate is the most even of the vintage.
2013 Pinot Noir, Soberanes Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands
Dark, inky and rich, this Pinot is the gift that keeps on giving, unfurling in layers of black fruit, ripe cherry, plum, cassis and mocha. The rich, earthy palate balances the dense fruit with notes of sweet tea, tobacco and forest floor. A sweet, lingering oak signature can be found lingering on the finish.
2013 Pinot Noir, Gap’s Crown Vineyard, Sonoma Coast
The 2013 Gap’s Crown is a stunning reflection of one of their newest and most exciting vineyard sites. The wine evokes flavors of fresh baked cherry pie with notes of black cherry, sweet vanilla, and cranberry. Generous mouthfeel upon entry, the palate gains complexity with soft, well-integrated tannins that maintain their grip throughout the lingering finish.
The Offer
10% off case orders
2014 Chardonnay, Sierra Mar Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands
$48
2014 Chardonnay, Gap’s Crown Vineyard, Sonoma Coast
$48
2013 Pinot Noir, Redwoods Edge, Estate Vineyard, Anderson Valley
$60
2013 Pinot Noir, Stoney Terrace, Estate, Anderson Valley
$60
2013 Pinot Noir, Soberanes Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands
$55
2013 Pinot Noir, Gap’s Crown Vineyard, Sonoma Coast
$55
Ordering
For all questions and orders, contact Wine Director, Jeff McCarthy. Let us know if you would like your wine shipped or placed in your wine locker. Sales tax and appropriate shipping will be added to all orders. Allow 2-3 weeks for account processing and shipping. During extreme weather, wine orders may be held until it is safe to ship.
Jeff McCarthy, Wine Director
[email protected]
707.569.2906 |
