Black Kite Cellars is a small, family-owned and operated winery dedicated to producing the finest Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. They use the best growing and winemaking practices applied to vineyards ideally situated for these classic Burgundian varietals.

Black Kite started with their first vintage in 2003. Over the ensuing years they have learned that they are engaged in a journey, one that combines high aspirations with long term commitment, patience and fortitude. It is a process of striving for the best over a long period of time. They appreciate that many of the best wines in the world are produced by family-owned wineries that have been around for generations. They are dedicated to the journey, and aspire to making great Pinot Noir and Chardonnay for many years.

The Wines

2016 Sierra Mar Chardonnay, Santa Lucia Highlands
The austere structure and bright fruit that are the hallmarks of this high-altitude vineyard are on stunning display in our 2016 Sierra Mar Vineyard Chardonnay. More mineral than in years past, this wine makes a compelling argument for why mountain grown Chardonnay is so coveted. The palate is bright, offering forward citrus, green apple, lemon oil and white blossom notes, gripped by wet stone and oyster shell, with a subtle oak impression reminiscent of bread dough. A bit tight upon release, the wine promises to evolve beautifully with another 6 months to 5 years in bottle.

2016 Soberanes Chardonnay, Santa Lucia Highlands
The longer growing season and extra time on the vine amplified the signature richness and intensity of the Soberanes Vineyard. The 2016 Soberanes Vineyard Chardonnay is a sumptuous melange of baked apple, white peach, fig and pear, made more complex by notes of sweet oak and almond paste. Mid-palate, the wine expands, offering extraordinary richness and texture lifted by a wonderful acid tension. An interesting hint of pine nuts lingers on the very long finish. Enjoy upon release or cellar for up to 3-5 years.

2017 Gap’s Crown Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast
This prized vineyard continues to impress wine drinkers with every vintage. The complexity of the 2017 Gap’s Crown Chardonnay presents itself immediately on the nose where honey, melon and pear aromas mingle with baked apple, sweet roasted grain and mineral notes. Bright and focused upon entry, the wine broadens to a beautiful mid-palate expression of ripe stone fruit and hazelnut, with the incredibly rich mouthfeel turning soft and supple on the long finish. Drink upon release of hold for 3-5 years.

2016 Soberanes Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands
This Soberanes Vineyard Pinot Noir is a deeply expressive wine that opens with beguiling bottle brush and sweet tea aromas that give way to a complex core of black fruit, cassis and clove. The rich, round mouthfeel is met with just enough tannic traction to sustain the compelling fruit intensity throughout the long finish. Enjoy upon release or cellar for up to 4-6 years.

2016 River Turn Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley
The River Turn Pinot Noir is another full-bodied expression of the vintage; balancing a core of dark, concentrated fruit with a lovely measure of elegance and finesse. Rich layers of plum, black cherry, chocolate and cinnamon gain complexity on the palate joined by subtle notes of vanilla and dried berry. Finishes long with a hint of toasty oak and ripe, fine-grained tannins. Enjoy upon release or cellar for up to 7-10 years.

2016 Gap’s Crown Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast
Destined to be a crowd pleaser for its “cherry pie in a glass” character, the 201 Gap’s Crown Vineyard Pinot Noir presents a concentrated core of ripe cherry and blackberry nuanced by sweet oak and caramel notes. With time, molasses, allspice and a rich yeastiness further the baked pie impression. For all its fruit complexity, the palate is bright and fresh with an extremely long and sleek finish. Enjoy upon release or cellar for up to 7-11 years.

The Offer

2016 Sierra Mar Chardonnay, Santa Lucia Highlands - $62

2016 Soberanes Chardonnay, Santa Lucia Highlands - $62

2017 Gap’s Crown Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast - $62

2016 Soberanes Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands - $62

2016 River Turn Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley - $62

2016 Gap’s Crown Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast - $62