New Vintages of Pinot Noir from Black Kite Cellars -- Found Nowhere Else in the Country

The Soul of Burgundy in the Heart of America: Found Nowhere Else in the Country

Around a year ago we had an incredibly successful newsletter on 2014 Black Kite Pinot. Now we are onto the 2015 vintage and as you will see, it has received some great hype.

Here's the deal with Black Kite within the context of Some Good Wine:

In the beginning (2005 roughly), I only believed wine from the old world could make magical moments happen. I appreciated some American wine from time to time but there was nothing that hit me on a gut level. Then I tried today's featured wine: Black Kite Cellars. I was impressed. For the first time in a while I had danced with an American Pinot Noir that had energy. Blindfolded I would have easily been fooled for a Burgundy. I was so impressed that I began to discover other American wines, and 11 years later: I am an equal opportunity wine snob! Black Kite was the catalyst.

Black Kite is hands down, one of my favorite Pinot Noir producers in the new world. Apart from being fuc*$ng delicious, they are incredibly diverse; terror driven Pinots that truly make the case for terroir in the new world. These Pinots are so great that they will twist the arms of any Burgundy fanatic as well as allow Cali Pinot aficionados to hopefully try something new that is amazing.

Trust me, you will be nothing short of blown away by these Pinots!

Four of the six wines below are not available outside of the winery, so today's newsletter is a pre-sale: wines will be here in 4 weeks and available to ship whenever the customer prefers. With the exception of Kite's Rest, all Pinot below is produced in less than 500 cases annually.

I have tried all of these below and my notes below will apply directly to the vintage versus more general information about the specific wine.
15% off any 6, 20% off any 12
Wine Arrives end of November

2015 Pinot Noir Kite's Rest
On-Sale: $56.99
From 3 single vineyard sites (Redwoods' Edge, Stony Terrace and River Turn.) Great introduction to the line-up and a fantastic price. Cool, calm and collected with delicate, ethereal tannins that are filled with subtle black plums, brown sugar and floral essence. We carry this one all the time and it is a big hit.

2015 Pinot Noir Soberanes Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands
On-Sale: $56.99
As in 2014 the most inky and cinnamon driven of the bunch. Feels like you're in a Keebler elf house with Pullitzer prize winning journalism taking place. Fine balance of spice and black fruit with tobacco and forest floor to top it off.

2015 Pinot Noir Redwood's Edge Anderson Valley
On-Sale: $69.99
Easily the most showy of the Pinots in this line-up, i.e., big, bold and beautiful, with fat and ripe berry flavors. This is the most Californian Pinot of the line-up, which it is not to say it doesn't fit the characteristics of the ones above. It does and it is delicious but would not be confused for Burgundy.

2015 Pinot Noir Stony Terrace Anderson Valley
On-Sale: $69.99
Like in 2014, there is this fine combination of savory and earthiness playing yin and yang. Deeply complex with loads of mushroom and forest floor that is supported by luxurious acidic structure that allows the fruit to dance around the palate. The most lengthy finish of the bunch.

2015 Pinot Noir River Turn Anderson Valley
On-Sale: $69.99
Generous fruit, rich texture and great length. It opens with sweet plum and cassis, gaining intensity on the palate with layers of dark fruit, blueberry, sweet cream and sweet pipe tobacco. Dark fruit melds seamlessly with soft tannins on the very long finish. Enjoy upon release or cellar for up to 5-7 years.

2015 Pinot Noir Gap's Crown Vineyard Sonoma Coast
On-Sale: $69.99
Big and dark and easily the richest of the bunch. Loads of plum, cherry pie, baking spices and smoke. Mellow and melodic acid with Asian spices galore on the finish.