2009 Black Kite Cellars Angel Hawk Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.8% alc., pH 3.50, TA 0.58, 109 cases, $75, released winter 2012. A reserve bottling from Kite’s Rest Vineyard produced only in select vintages. “Angel Hawk” is the colloquial name of the Black Shouldered Kite, for which the winery is named. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of Angel Hawk are donated to the Golden Gate Raptor Conservancy. Aged 20 months in 100% new French oak barrels. · Medium reddish-purple hue in the glass. Enticing aromas of black cherries, plum, exotic spices, oak and rose petals. An attention grabbing core of delicious black cherry fruit with subtle notes of spice and oak. Creamy on the palate with extraordinary length. A hedonist’s Pinot that will attract many fans. My only nit is the high alcohol which peaks out when the wine warms in the glass. Very good. Reviewed June 24, 2012

Winery: Black Kite Cellars
From article: Anderson Noir Valley: Trade Tasting