Our Wines
As the vines have developed we have discovered that our vineyard blocks yield quite different flavors and characteristics. This has enabled us to bring out five wines from our vineyard. We have a blend of the vineyard blocks, called Kite's Rest, which we believe is the optimal mix of the clones on the property. And we have three block specific wines, one from the Redwoods' Edge block, one from the Stony Terrace block and one from the River Turn block. In select vintages, we also offer a reserve barrel aged wine called "Angel Hawk" that is released in the Fall.

Winemaking
Early rains were followed by a growing season that was close to ideal. Mild, temperate weather dominated allowing all three of our blocks to ripen slowly and evenly. The even pace of the season promoted terrific flavor and acid balance; with our fruit achieving full ripeness in advance of the October rains. We harvested Kite’s Rest vineyard on October 9th and 10th, in the early morning hours. The fruit was sorted, de-stemmed and in the fermentation tanks by early afternoon. Overall, 2009 produced spectacular fruit, with our winemaker Jeff Gaffner declaring it better than the fabulous 2007 vintage.

2009 Release
Harvest date: October 9th and 10th, 2008
Bottling date: July, 2010

Tasting Notes
2009 Black Kite Cellars “Kite’s Rest” Pinot Noir
A rich, silky and deeply flavored wine, our 2009 Kite’s Rest Pinot Noir boasts a beautiful garnet color, high-toned cherry and cranberry flavors and notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, sweet black tea and vanilla that are carried to the focused finish on a delicate backbone of fine grained tannins.
Cooperage: 11 months in 1/3 new and 2/3 one-year-old French oak barrels
Alcohol: 14.8% • pH: 3.6 • TA .59
Aging: Decant for up to two hours over the next six months or hold for up to 5-7 years
Total Production: 1000 cases
Suggested Retail Price: $42

2009 Black Kite Cellars “River Turn Block” Block Pinot Noir
Our 2009 River Turn Pinot Noir is reminiscent of claret, with its slightly darker, more brooding character. A core of black cherry and rich, sweet oak is nuanced by notes of brown spice, cinnamon, dark chocolate mocha and a hint of molasses. Dark cassis builds on the long, complex palate.
Cooperage: 11 months in 2/3 new and 1/3 one-year-old French oak barrels
Alcohol: 14.8% • pH: 3.6 • TA .59
Serve/Cellar: Decant for up to two hours over the next six months or hold for up to 5-7 years
Total Production: 160 cases
Suggested Retail Price: $52

2009 Black Kite Cellars “Stony Terrace Block” Block Pinot Noir
The dark inky color of our 2009 Stony Terrace Pinot Noir is a hint of the roundness and richness to follow. Showy and complex, it boasts layers of dark fruit, plum and butter crème with notes of brown spice, clove, cinnamon and violets, carried with excellent structure through the impossibly long finish.
Cooperage: 11 months in 2/3 new and 1/3 one-year-old French oak barrels Alcohol: 14.9% • pH: 3.6 • TA .59
Serve/Cellar: Drinks beautifully upon opening or hold for 5-7 years
Total Production: 230 cases
Suggested Retail Price: $52

2009 Black Kite Cellars “Redwoods’ Edge Block” Pinot Noir
The most age worthy of our 2009 Pinots, the Redwoods’ Edge boasts vivid, high-toned red cherry and cranberry notes, seamlessly interwoven with touches of sweet black fruit and cream. A lovely halo of rose and other floral aromatics add to the feminine-like structure of this wine, which will continue to gain in complexity for years to come.
Cooperage: 11 months in 2/3 new and 1/3 one-year-old French oak barrels
Alcohol: 14.7% • pH: 3.6 • TA .59
Serve/Cellar: Decant for up to two hours over the next six months or hold for up to 6-10 years
Total Production: 170 cases
Suggested Retail Price: $52

Prior Releases