2013 Willliams Selyem Sonoma County Pinot Noir

2013 Williams Selyem Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

with No Comment $60-$70Kevin VogtPinot NoirSonomaSonoma CoastUSA

WILLIAMS SELYEM

2013 Willliams Selyem Sonoma County Pinot Noir2013 PINOT NOIR
SONOMA COUNTY

If you’ve ever wondered if California’s most Iconic Pinot Noir could get any better, you’ll find your answer in their 2013 Sonoma County…  Some of the greatest wines in the world reward patience, and this is one that already has. Tasting it now must feel similar to winning the lottery, twice…  Once when you were able to acquire this sought-after wine, and a second time when you discover that it’s developed into something far greater than you ever imagined.  I recommend sitting down before tasting it because the perfume alone will knock you off your feet, as wild raspberries, holiday spices, plum and black tea intertwine in perfect detail.   We bought every bottle we could after tasting this wine and we’re thrilled to feature it by the glass.
 
With their inaugural vintage in 1982, Williams-Selyem became a reference-standard for high-quality domestic Pinot Noir.  They made history in 2007 when Wine Enthusiast awarded their Litton Estate Pinot a perfect 100 Points…  This was the first Pinot Noir in North America to earn 100 points score from any major wine publication.  Forged from iconic sites including Rochioli, Bucher and Lone Oak Vineyards, the 2013 delights your senses with vivid red fruits and finely detailed flavors that overlay in layers across your palate. 
 
WILLIAMS SELYEM
2013 PINOT NOIR
SONOMA COUNTY
 
Your Price: $64.99/btl 
 
Winery Notes: “The nose leads with raspberry and fresh mountain strawberry notes followed by a wonderful stone fruit lift. The aromas transition into darker elements of bitter cherry, Carnauba wax, and mocha. Notes of smoky herbs, cinnamon, and black tea are framed with well integrated acid and tannin. The Sonoma County will offer early enjoyment with its soft and supple mouthfeel and texture.”
 
Customers that enjoy Williams Selyem’s Sonoma Coast Pinot,  may also enjoy these two terrific Pinots…
2014 Joseph Jewell Hallberg Vineyard Pinot Noir 2013 Williams Selyem Central Coast Pinot Noir
JOSEPH JEWELL 
2014 PINOT NOIR
HALLBERG VINEYARD
Retails at:  $55.00/btl
 
It’s rare for me to taste a wine and immediately get the feeling that I may have just come across my next wine-of-the-year.  Joseph Jewell’s 2014 Hallberg Vineyard Pinot Noir gave me that very feeling.  With stunning length, detail and balance, the 2014 washes over your palate with supernatural weight and complexity fit for a king.  In my mind this sets the bar for cool climate California Pinot Noir with a plush, satin core lined in detailed blackberry, cigar box, black tea and touches of spice.
WILLIAMS SELYEM
2013 PINOT NOIR
CENTRAL COAST
Your Price: $64.99/btl
 
From The Wine Enthusiast: “Juicy strawberries and plum are cut with allspice and star anise on the sharply spiced nose of this wine from one of the Golden State’s legendary producers. The palate shows the juice of darker berries, from blackberries to black cherries, with an Earl Grey tea bitterness and dried sage complexity.”  92 Points

2014 Belle Glos Eulenloch Napa Valley Pinot Noir

with No Comment $40-$50CarnerosKevin VogtNapaPinot NoirUSA

BELLE GLOS 

2014 Belle Glos Eulenloch Vineyard Napa Valley Pinot Noir

2014 PINOT NOIR 
“EULENLOCH” NAPA VALLEY

 
Joe Wagner’s Belle Glos Pinot Noirs are created in such an extravagant style that they’ve carved out their own category, and in doing so it took the entire Pinot Noir world by storm.  At 36, Joe has accomplished more than most people accomplish in a lifetime.  Becoming involved in the Wagner Family wine business at an early age, taking in valuable lessons from his father, Chuck Wagner, who founded Caymus Vineyards with his father, Charlie Wagner.  In July of 2015 Joe split off the value priced Meomi Pinot Noir label from Belle Glos and sold it to Constellation Brands for an eye-popping $315 million… When we found out about his inaugural release of a Pinot Noir from Napa Valley, we couldn’t wait to taste it.  Incredibility deep and hedonistic, the 2014 Eulenloch has serious depth by Pinot Noir standards and oozes concentrated black fruits, baking spices and liquid floral.
 
Farmed from the Eulenloch Vineyard located in Napa Valley’s prestigious Carneros AVA, this just released 2014 is really showy right now… Always some of the deepest and most intense California Pinot Noirs, Belle Glos never disappoints with their generous style that resonates with Pinot Noir fans who love a richer style.  If you would like to experience their new Eulenloch Napa Valley Pinot, you can order it individually below, or use this  Click to Order button to order a mixed 15-pack which includes (6) Eulenloch, (3) Las Alturas, (3) Clark & Telephone and (3) Dairyman. 
 
BELLE GLOS 
2014 PINOT NOIR
“EULENLOCH” NAPA VALLEY 
Retails at:  $55.00/btl
Your Price: $44.99/btl
YOU SAVE 18% 
 
 
Winery Notes: “Shimmering scarlet to deep ruby in color, with aromas of blackberry and red cherry highlighted by soft touches of vanilla, nutmeg, toasted coconut and violet blossom. An abundant and layered wine offering flavors of sweet black currant, strawberry, red cherry and vine-fresh blackberry complemented by subtle notes of sugar cookies and honeyed cola nut. The wine is supple and satiny, with bright acidity set off by rich fruit.”

 

2016 Belle Glos Las Alturas Vineyard Pinot Noir 2016 Belle Glos Dairyman Vineyard Pinot Noir 2016 Belle Glos Clark & Telephone Vineyard Pinot Noir
BELLE GLOS
LAS ALTURAS VINEYARD
2016 PINOT NOIR 
SANTA LUCIA
Retails at:  $55.00/btl
BELLE GLOS
DAIRYMAN VINEYARD
2016 PINOT NOIR
RUSSIAN RIVER 
Retails at: $55.00/btl
BELLE GLOS
CLARK & TELEPHONE VINEYARD
2016 PINOT NOIR
SANTA BARBARA CO.
Retails at: $55.00/btl
Your Price: $44.99/btl
 
Winery Notes: “Bright crimson red in color. Aromas of black cherry and ripe plums combine with subtle notes of dried herbs and smoke. The palate entry shows flavors of cranberry, fresh raspberry, and ripe cherry, complemented by hints of vanilla and baking spice. A balance of savory, cedar and cocoa powder, and sweet, fig jam and ripe blackberry, round out the mouth-feel… great structure, smooth tannins and a lingering fresh finish.”
2014 Joseph Jewell Hallberg Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

2014 Joseph Jewell Hallberg Vineyard Pinot Noir

with No Comment $40-$50Kevin VogtPinot NoirRussian River ValleySonomaUSA

JOSEPH JEWELL 

2014 PINOT NOIR
HALLBERG VINEYARD

2014 Joseph Jewell Hallberg Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
It’s rare for me to taste a wine and immediately get the feeling that I may have just come across my next wine-of-the-year.  Joseph Jewell’s 2014 Hallberg Vineyard Pinot Noir gave me that very feeling.  With stunning length, detail and balance, the 2014 washes over your palate with supernatural weight and complexity fit for a king.  In my mind this sets the bar for cool climate California Pinot Noir with a plush, satin core lined in detailed blackberry, cigar box, black tea and touches of spice.  You’ll feel like you’ve just hit the mother lode and you won’t want to let go.  
 
Located in the Russian River Valley and a former apple orchard, fruit from Hallberg produces world-class Pinot Noirs from Gary Farrell and Emeritus.  Planted to clones 777 and Pommard 5, the fruit was dry farmed and produces fruit of royal qualities.  If you’ve enjoyed Trombetta, Black Kite, CRU9 and other Pinots that we’ve introduced, Joseph Jewell’s Hallberg shouldn’t be missed…
 
JOSEPH JEWELL 
2014 PINOT NOIR
HALLBERG VINEYARD
Retails at:  $55.00/btl
 
 
 
Tasting Notes: “It’s so exceptionally rare to find a wine that immediately conquers your heart and soul from the very first whiff, then follows through on the palate with all the excitement and intrigue of a first kiss…  Pristine elegance combined with an incredibly delicate balance, weaving in all of the intricate details and building like a romance novel. This wine may not be my first love, but it is the first California Pinot Noir that simply left me speechless and completely satisfied.  Throwing aroma and taste characteristics in would not do it justice, because this wine is a complete sensory experience that a flavor profile cannot quantify…  You just have to experience it, then you’ll know!”  97 Points Kevin M Vogt, Master Sommelier
 
Customers that enjoy Joseph Jewell’s Hallberg Vineyard Pinot,  may also enjoy these two terrific Pinots…

 

2014 Black Kite Kite's Rest Vineyard Pinot Noir 2014 Trombetta Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
BLACK KITE
2014 PINOT NOIR
KITE’S REST VINEYARD
Your Price: $44.99/btl 

Click to Order

From The Wine Enthusiast, “Great fruit concentration and grace make this wine a winner. It feels medium-bodied despite its high degree of ripeness, showing that balance is attainable with significant power. It has ripe, plummy aromas, fresh red cherry and cranberry flavors, supportive tannins and excellent acidity.” 
 
93 Points, Editor’s Choice
TROMBETTA
2014 PINOT NOIR
SONOMA COAST
Your Price: $44.99/btl 

Click to Order

From The Wine Enthusiast, “The oak treatment is supportive only, with the wine aged in French oak, 25% of it new, for nine months. Restraint allows it to remain soft and silky on the palate, with inviting characteristics of white pepper, lavender, rose, cranberry, strawberry and vanilla bean.” 
 
93 Points
2015 Three Sticks PFV Estate Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

2015 Three Sticks Estate ‘PFV’ Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

with No Comment $50-$60Kevin VogtNorth CoastPinot NoirSonoma CoastUSA

THREE STICKS 2015 Three Sticks PFV Estate Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

2015 “PFV” PINOT NOIR
SONOMA COAST, ESTATE

 
A name that rings synonymous with world-class Pinot Noir is undoubtably Bob Cabral.  Cementing his place in Pinot Noir history while winemaker at Williams Selyem, Bob crafted the 2007 Litton Estate Pinot which Wine Enthusiast awarded a perfect 100 Point Score.  This was the first Pinot Noir in North America to earn 100 point score from any major wine publication.  After nearly two decades at Williams Selyem, Bob is now the winemaker at a new winery, owned by Bill Price, and they’re beginning to make some serious waves in the Pinot Noir world. Bill Price owns some of California’s most iconic vineyards, including Gap’s Crown and Durell Vineyards which are both ingredients in this brilliant Pinot Noir.  
 
Striking, penetrating, focused and surreal immediately come to mind when tasting this 2015 Pinot Noir.  The PFV Estate Pinot comes from a combination of four distinctly different sites including Gap’s Crown, Walala, Dupont and Durrell.  Expertly guided from grape to bottle by one of California’s most accomplished Pinot Noir makers, you won’t want to wait for the scores to come out on the 2015, because it’ll be too late… 
 
THREE STICKS
2015 “PFV” PINOT NOIR
SONOMA COAST, ESTATE
Retails at:  $64.99/btl
Your Price: $54.99/btl 
YOU SAVE 15%
 
Winery Notes: “This coastal Pinot Noir is a representation of classic cooler climate fruits. The nose bursts from the glass with a fresh blackberry core, and exotic spices of pink peppercorn and cardamom. Consistently bold throughout, this wine has a well balanced structure and prized concentration.”

 

Customers who would enjoy the Three Stick’s PFV Pinot Noir, may also enjoy these two terrific Pinots…
2014 Small Vines Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2014 Black Kite Kite's Rest Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
SMALL VINES
2014 PINOT NOIR
SONOMA COAST
Retails at:  $55/btl
 
 
From The Wine Enthusiast: “This tiny, family-run production shows a tremendous talent at growing grapes and making wines of great substance and sophistication. It aims for a bright, restrained and complex style, which it achieves here with aplomb. Black cherry, mint and a tease of smoky oak accent a fleshy, lengthy texture and body that shines in acidity.” 
 
 93 Points
BLACK KITE
2014 PINOT NOIR
KITE’S REST VINEYARD
Retails at:  $50.00/btl
Your Price: $44.99/btl 
 
 
From The Wine Enthusiast: “Great fruit concentration and grace make this wine a winner. It feels medium-bodied despite its high degree of ripeness, showing that balance is attainable with significant power. It has ripe, plummy aromas, fresh red cherry and cranberry flavors, supportive tannins and excellent acidity.” 
 
 93 Points, Editor’s Choice
2014 Laird Phantom Ranch Pinot Noir

2014 Laird Phantom Ranch Pinot Noir

with No Comment $40-$50CarnerosKevin VogtNapaPinot NoirUSA

LAIRD

2014 PINOT NOIR
PHANTOM RANCH

2014 Laird Phantom Ranch Pinot Noir
Have you ever wondered what makes Pinot Noir so complex?  Did you know that not all Pinot Noir Vines are the same?  Laird’s Phantom Ranch Pinot is a 50/50 blend of two distinctly different Pinot Noir clones.  Clone 115 comes from Morey St Denis, one of Burgundy’s noble areas and is known for producing elegant wines.  The Pommard Clone which also comes from Burgundy is revered for lending structure and meaty characters as well as remarkable fragrance.  Paul Hobbs selected both of these clones for Laird’s Phantom Ranch Vineyard to create a wine with the perfect combination of structure, elegance and aroma.  This is a Pinot Noir that will haunt your dreams…
Composed in a chillingly deep, velvety style that I love, and we don’t have anything else quite like it on our tasting menu in Yountville…  Laird’s 2014 Phantom Ranch is haunted by spine-tingling allure, laced with shades of wild blueberries, spring flowers, vanilla and spices. The winery has always attracted terrific winemakers.  In 2014, Laird’s Consulting Winemaker was Paul Hobbs, one of the top winemakers in the world… If you enjoy full-bodied, deep, velvety Pinots, I strongly recommend a case of this limited release.
 
LAIRD
2014 PINOT NOIR
PHANTOM RANCH
Retails at:  $55/btl
 
 
From Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate: “The 2014 Pinot Noir Phantom Ranch has a more evolved nose of forest floor and spice, raw, generous almost opulent black cherry and strawberry fruit, a healthy, pure mouthfeel and a long finish. This is serious Pinot to drink over then next 7-8 years.” 90 Points
 
Customers who enjoy Laird’s Phantom Ranch Pinot may also enjoy these two outstanding Reds…
2013 Laird Jillian's Blend Proprietary Red 2013 Laird Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
LAIRD
2013 JILLIAN’S BLEND
PROPRIETARY RED
Retails at:  $48/btl
Your Price: $44/btl 
 
Flawlessly constructed, and with no shortage of brawn, Laird’s sensational 2013 Jillian’s Blend reveals a tapestry of beautifully knit, meaty and extravagant flavors.  Absolutely brilliant, the 2013 is predominately Cabernet Sauvignon (60%), sourced from the winery’s famed Mast Ranch Vineyard.  Their single vineyard Mast Ranch Cab sells for $80/btl…
LAIRD
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2013 NAPA VALLEY
Retails at:  $60.00/btl
Your Price: $52.99/btl
 
Laird’s 2013 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is built from almost equal parts Mast Ranch and Flat Rock vineyards.  The winery produces single vineyard Cabernets from both of these sites which retail for $80 to $90 per bottle…  It’s a brand that I love, and in fact we featured their 2012 vintage as one of our top 5 wines of the year in 2017.
2014 Orrin-Sage Sonoma Mountains Pinot Noir

2014 Orrin-Sage Sonoma Mountain Pinot Noir

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtPinot NoirSonomaSonoma MountainUSA

ORRIN-SAGE

2014 PINOT NOIR
SONOMA MOUNTAIN

2014 Orrin-Sage Sonoma Mountains Pinot Noir
Anytime a new customer walks into our shop in Yountville, they’re always surprised by the number of great Pinot Noirs that we feature.  Our roots go back more than 2 decades in Sonoma County, where outside of Burgundy, Pinot Noir reigns king… Over the years we’ve discovered some truly stunning Pinots that have delivered exceptional quality and value with characteristics classic to the varietal.  Orrin-Sage just set a new bar…This is truly the best Pinot at this price that we’ve ever featured, and with 6 barrels produced, don’t wait… 
Arising from the rugged Sonoma Mountain AVA, a unique area which gains some of the cooling influence from the Petaluma Gap and produces brilliant Pinot Noir fruit.  Bevan, Siduri and Flowers are just a few of the wineries that have crafted Pinots from this unique area. This wine was expertly made by Justin Harmon who gained valuable experience as an intern under Russell Bevan.  It has an undeniable meaty character coupled with remarkable weight and perfect balance making it a wine that I truly can’t get enough of…
 
ORRIN-SAGE
2014 PINOT NOIR
SONOMA MOUNTAIN
Retails at:  $49.00/btl
 
 
Tasting Notes: “One glance and the brilliantly shimmering transparent cherry red color starts pulling you in. Then comes the enticing nose with ripe black cherries, bright pomegranate, allspice, nutmeg, wet leather, fragrant dried lavender and a touch of vanilla. On the palate, a mesmerizing cascade of flavors including crushed black raspberries, tart cherry, fresh sage leaf, candied lime peel and hints of Asian spices.  It’s so alluring that your instinct to swallow will override your will to allow it to linger longer on your palate… and when you do, you’ll be left with a penetrating, long, highly pleasurable finish that absolutely begs for another sip.” 
 
96 Points and where have you been all my life…
Kevin M Vogt, Master Sommelier
 
Customers that enjoy the Orrin-Sage Sonoma Mountain Pinot,  may also enjoy these two terrific Pinots…
2014 Daniel Laguna Vineyard Pinot Noir 2014 Black Kite Kite's Rest Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
DANIEL
2014 PINOT NOIR
LAGUNA VINEYARD
Retails at:  $60.00/btl
Your Price: $39.99/btl 
 Winery Notes:  “This Daniel Pinot Noir is brilliant ruby red in color. The bouquet opens with Huckleberry coulis and black cherry, followed by charcuterie and cedar. This pinot boasts incredibly concentrated red and dark fruit that lingers with a silky texture on the palate. A wine capable of long term aging, every sip offers new nuance.”
 

This profound Pinot was composed by accomplished winemaker Dan Fitzgerald, who got his start working at Williams-Selyem…
BLACK KITE
2014 PINOT NOIR
KITE’S REST VINEYARD
Retails at:  $50.00/btl
Your Price: $44.99/btl 
 
 
From The Wine Enthusiast: “Great fruit concentration and grace make this wine a winner. It feels medium-bodied despite its high degree of ripeness, showing that balance is attainable with significant power. It has ripe, plummy aromas, fresh red cherry and cranberry flavors, supportive tannins and excellent acidity.” 
 93 Points, Editor’s Choice
Matias Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

2014 Matias Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtMontereyPinot NoirSanta Lucia HighlandsUSA

MATIAS

2014 PINOT NOIR
SANTA LUCIA HIGHLANDS

 Matias Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir
Everybody loves an amazing value and particularly when it comes to Pinot Noir.  This 92 point Pinot bears origins from two of the Santa Lucia Highlands most acclaimed vineyards.  A blend of Soberanes and Sierra Mar Vineyards, Robert Parker alerts his readers, “it’s a rock solid example of the high quality Pinot Noirs coming from the Santa Lucia Highlands.”  Both vineyards are well-known for producing wines of notable character, intriguing flavors and compelling qualities, and finding a Pinot from both of these sites pushes the absolute limits of exceptionally high quality for an amazingly low price.  This wine retails at $40/btl at the winery.
 
Authored by talented winemaking-duo Dan Fitzgerald, who worked at Williams-Selyem and John Harley, who worked at Donum Estate, this 2014 is brimming with candied cherry, black raspberry, cola and Asian spices.  At under thirty per bottle, we’re certain this wine will have your taste buds salivating for another sip… and glass… and second glass. Don’t be fooled by the low price, this is a superb Pinot Noir that competes with iconic Pinots at a much higher price.  
 
MATIAS
2014 PINOT NOIR
SANTA LUCIA HIGHLANDS
Retails at:  $40/btl
 
 
From Wine Enthusiast: “Dark and concentrated pomegranate and rosebud aromas meet with juniper and sweet pine needle on the nose of this bottling. The attack is a clean and flavorful, mixing dried cranberry and tangy cherry with thyme, marjoram and peppercorn, culminating in a camphor-like finish.” 92 Points
2015 Crossbarn Paul Hobbs Pinot Noir

2015 Crossbarn by Paul Hobbs Pinot Noir

with No Comment $30-$40Kevin VogtPinot NoirSonomaSonoma CoastUSA

CROSSBARN

2015 PINOT NOIR
By PAUL HOBBS

2015 Crossbarn Paul Hobbs Pinot Noir
The short-list of the world’s top consulting winemakers is small, and many would argue that Paul Hobbs should be at the top.  To me, the most clear-cut reason for him being there is simply that people love his wines…  Forbes calls Paul the Steve Jobs of wine, referencing his ardent exactitude of winemaking and he’s clearly one of the most innovative and gifted winemakers.  The Forbes article also notes, that Hobbs was twice named Wine Personality of the Year by Robert Parker.  While we offer many wines that Paul Hobbs touches, we don’t often have the opportunity to feature one of his own… This wine, with three 90-92 point reviews, is an excellent introduction to the wines of Paul Hobbs. 
Created in a deep, plush and penetrating style, and sourced from a selection of Sonoma Coast Vineyards, the 2015 Crossbarn Pinot is really easy to love.  This is a wonderful introduction to Paul Hobbs wines and at $36/btl and ground shipping included on 15, don’t miss it.   
 
CROSSBARN
2015 PINOT NOIR
By PAUL HOBBS 
Your Price:   $36/btl
 
 
“Deep ruby-purple colored, the 2015 Pinot Noir is intensely scented of crushed black and red cherries with hints of game, mossy tree bark and charcoal. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is packed with vibrant cherry and red berry flavors, framed by velvety tannins, finishing with great purity.”  90 Points 
“The 2015 Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast) is plump, juicy and forward, with tons of black cherry, plum, licorice, lavender and spice notes. Succulent and racy, the 2015 is a terrific choice for drinking now and over the next few years, while the fruit remains juicy.”  90 Points
“… Aromas of crushed violet, Chinese tea, ripe raspberry, currant and musk are seamlessly echoed on a silky yet structured palate resplendent with wild berry, fresh cherry, blood orange and a hint of spice. A long, energetic finish turns somewhat nostalgic with the reminiscence of warm, tart, cherry pie.”  92 Points

 

Customers that enjoy Paul Hobbs’ Crossbarn Pinot,  may also enjoy these two terrific Pinots…
2014 Black Kite Anderson Valley Pinot Noir 2014 Small Vines Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
BLACK KITE
2014 PINOT NOIR
KITE’S REST VINEYARD
Retails at:  $50.00/btl
Your Price: $44.99/btl 

Click to Order

 
From The Wine Enthusiast, “Great fruit concentration and grace make this wine a winner. It feels medium-bodied despite its high degree of ripeness, showing that balance is attainable with significant power. It has ripe, plummy aromas, fresh red cherry and cranberry flavors, supportive tannins and excellent acidity.”  93 Points, Editor’s Choice
SMALL VINES
2014 PINOT NOIR
SONOMA COAST
Retails at:  $55/btl
 
From The Wine Enthusiast, “This tiny, family-run production shows a tremendous talent at growing grapes and making wines of great substance and sophistication. It aims for a bright, restrained and complex style, which it achieves here with aplomb. Black cherry, mint and a tease of smoky oak accent a fleshy, lengthy texture and body that shines in acidity.”  93 Points
2014 Black Kite Pinot Noir Kite's Rest Vineyard

2014 Black Kite Pinot Noir Kite’s Rest Vineyard

with No Comment $40-$50Kevin VogtNapaPinot NoirUSA

BLACK KITE

2014 Black Kite Pinot Noir Kite's Rest Vineyard2014 PINOT NOIR
KITE’S REST VINEYARD

 
In a word, it’s exhilarating…  The aromas give you a rush like taking off in a 747… The plush, velvety core makes you feel like you’re sitting back in comfy leather seats… The finish is like landing safely in paradise, with memories of the ride bringing a smile to your face.  Black Kite is one of California’s rising star Pinot producers, whom the Pinot Report alerted readers that they “burst on the scene with outstanding wines.” We elevated their 2013 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir as our pick for wine-of-the-year in 2016 and their 2014 Kite’s Rest flies at an even higher level. 
Lifting spirits high into the rising thermals of Pinot Noir bliss, Black Kite’s Kite’s Rest Pinot Noir offers a rush of dark berries, minerals and wild rose, and it seduces you with each swirl. Absolutely thrilling to taste, this devine Pinot Noir was authored by Jeff Gaffner, who is responsible for making the renowned 1996 Chateau St. Jean Cinq Cépages, which was the Wine Spectator’s #1 wine of the year.  If you’ve tasted any of their earlier vintages, you’ve probably already clicked the order button… if not, and you’d like to try one of California’s best examples of Pinot Noir, don’t hesitate too long, because there’s never enough of this Pinot to go around…    
 
BLACK KITE
2014 PINOT NOIR
KITE’S REST VINEYARD
Retails at:  $50.00/btl
Your Price: $44.99/btl 
YOU SAVE 10% 
 
 
From The Wine Enthusiast: “Great fruit concentration and grace make this wine a winner. It feels medium-bodied despite its high degree of ripeness, showing that balance is attainable with significant power. It has ripe, plummy aromas, fresh red cherry and cranberry flavors, supportive tannins and excellent acidity.”  93 Points, Editor’s Choice

 

Customers that enjoy Black Kite’s Kite’s Rest Vineyard Pinot,  may also enjoy these two terrific Pinots…
2014 TROMBETTA PINOT NOIR SONOMA COAST 2014 Small Vines Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
TROMBETTA
2014 PINOT NOIR
SONOMA COAST
Your Price: $44.99/btl 
 
From The Wine Enthusiast: “The oak treatment is supportive only, with the wine aged in French oak, 25% of it new, for nine months. Restraint allows it to remain soft and silky on the palate, with inviting characteristics of white pepper, lavender, rose, cranberry, strawberry and vanilla bean.” 
93 Points
SMALL VINES
2014 PINOT NOIR
SONOMA COAST
Retails at:  $55/btl
 
Wine Enthusiast: “This tiny, family-run production shows a tremendous talent at growing grapes and making wines of great substance and sophistication. It aims for a bright, restrained and complex style, which it achieves here with aplomb. Black cherry, mint and a tease of smoky oak accent a fleshy, lengthy texture and body that shines in acidity.”   93 Points
2014 Montagu Bacigalupi Pinot Noir

2014 Montagu Bacigalupi Vineyard Pinot Noir

with No Comment $30-$40Kevin VogtPinot NoirRussian River ValleySonomaUSA

MONTAGU

2014 PINOT NOIR
BACIGALUPI VINEYARD

 
 
 
2014 Montagu Bacigalupi Pinot Noir
Nothing beats drinking a stunningly beautiful Pinot Noir from one of California’s most Iconic Vineyards. Montagu’s 8 barrel production of their Baciaglupi Vineyard Pinot erupts from the glass with an exotic perfume of crushed blackberries, dried violets, Asian plum and baking spices.  This world-class vineyard made history at the 1976 Paris tasting when Château Montelena triumphed over all of the French wines in its category.  40 percent of the fruit was sourced from Bacigalupi.
Created in a deep and saturating style, the 2014 is beautifully textured, and loaded with class.  Utilizing three revered Pinot clones, 777, 667 and Pommard, and each complimenting the strengths of the others… the wine is then finished in high quality French oak barrels.  If you love big, California style Pinots like Marcassin, Belle Glos and Kosta Browne, one taste will bring you home. 
 
MONTAGU
2014 PINOT NOIR
BACIGALUPI VINEYARD
Retails at:  $75.00/btl
 
Tasting Notes: “This is a forward styled Pinot Noir that offers an ripe nose of cherry cola, bright pomegranate, mandarin orange peel, spice box and earthy truffle. On the palate it has a lush, rich, supple mouthfeel with wild berries, black plum, sage leaf and sweet vanilla.  Cellar through 2022.“ 92 Points, Kevin M. Vogt, Master Sommelier