AWAY PINOT NOIRS
We produce three Pinot Noirs from two vineyards in the Anderson Valley appellation and two vineyards in the Sonoma Coast Appellation. In each vineyard we have specific rows that are dedicated to Black Kite Cellars and farmed to our specifications.
Anderson Valley
Ferrington
In 2022 we will introduce our first Pinot Noir from Ferrington Vineyard, from the 2020 vintage. Coniferous ocean air brings purity and freshness, situated in the most easterly vineyards in Anderson Valley, just 10 miles from the blustery Pacific Coast, where long-eared jackrabbits munch on the cover crop between brilliant golden mustard and bright greens planted annually to feed the soil. Tucked away just off Highway 128 in Booneville, a small town in the heart of the Anderson Valley. Twenty-five acres are planted to multiple clones of Pinot Noir with only eight exclusive wineries source fruit.
Wendling
In 2022 we will introduce our first Pinot Noir from the Wendling Vineyard, from the 2020 vintage. In the “Deep End” nestled amongst fog-topped evergreens, Wendling Vineyard is located in the most northwesterly vineyard in the AVA at 335-500 feet elevation on a south-facing slope just nine miles from the Pacific Ocean near the hamlet of the Navarro within the Anderson Valley. The soils are red and well-drained, with shallow sandy loam, sandstones, and shales. Farmed using organic and biodynamic methods. by one of the finest growers and friends in Anderson Valley, Paul Ardzrooni.
Sonoma Coast
GAP'S CROWN
Our Gap's Crown Vineyard Pinot Noir is one of our newer wines, with 2013 as our first vintage. This large vineyard is at the base of Sonoma Mountain, and is part of the proposed Petaluma Gap appellation, as suggested by its name. We have 23 rows at the end of Block 2B, which are planted with the Dijon 777 clone. Our first vintage, 2013, yielded a Pinot Noir stunning in its generous and mouthfilling nature upon entry, flavors of black cherry, sweet vanilla and cranberry, and a velvety, lingering finish. We produce approximately 250 cases a year.
Sonoma Coast
A blend of fruit from our estate and other coastal sites, this 2020 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir epitomizes cool-climate Pinot, offering an approachable balance of elegance, purity and complexity. Notes of crushed alpine strawberry, raspberry and dried florals dominate the nose, while black cherry, currant, dark chocolate and caramel add a lovely density to the mid-palate. The wine resolves with a lovely precision, offering a hint of sweet, toasted vanilla on the long finish. This wine is tasting beautiful right now (August 2022), and can be cellared for a few years as well.
JASPER FREESTONE
In 2014, after a years-long search for the perfect Sonoma Coast site to plant a small Chardonnay and Pinot Noir vineyard, we were introduced to an 8 acre plot that was Located on 200-acres of sprawling ranch land outside Sonoma County’s historic coastal village of Freestone. Comprised of Goldrich soils and tucked at the base of west-facing hills, just four miles from the Pacific Ocean, the site is ideal for producing cool-climate Chardonnay. We named the vineyard after the original land owner, Jasper O’Farrell - one of California’s most consequential pioneering settlers - and began planting in 2015.