A three-hour scenic cruise north from San Francisco through Sonoma County leads to the picturesque, winding Highway 128 and Anderson Valley in southern Mendocino. Although the eastern sector of Anderson Valley is quite warm, as you meander west towards the cooling influence of the Pacific Ocean, the temperatures drop by 1-2 degrees for every mile. It is here, just ten miles from the Pacific, where the microclimate of the Black Kite Vineyards pushes the limit of extreme cold for grape ripening combined with bright California sun. Under these unique conditions the most interesting expressions of Burgundian varietals in the Anderson Valley can be found. Blanketed under fog and cool breezes similar to that of Burgundy, the vineyards in this prime locale force the Pinot Noir varietal to struggle, which delivers a perfumed yet textured and rich example.

Three generations of the Green family currently work the land and craft artisanal wines from this special pocket of the Anderson Valley. Inspiration came decades ago following a two-week cycling tour of the Cote d’Or, after which the family was determined to grow and produce Burgundian style Pinot Noir from the ideally suited soils of this western stretch of the Anderson Valley. Their dream was finally realized with their first viable harvest in 2003. In 2004, veteran winemaker Jeff Gaffner, and Pinot-driven vineyard manager, Paul Ardzooni, joined their ranks. The results have since garnered the well-deserved attention of sommeliers and press alike for ample reason. They named their cellars and vineyards overlooking the Navarro River Black Kite after the endangered Black Shouldered Kite (bird) that is native to the valley. Their sustainable approach to farming is in line with their namesake and reminds the family to first and foremost nourish the ecosystem that supports the vines. The Kite’s Rest bottling is a blend of the best fruit from three unique parcels ranging in elevation from 130 to 321 feet and boasting loam, gravel and sandy silt soils. The fruit is hand harvested and crafted in a traditional Burgundian style that still retains the voice of the surrounding forests of Mendocino.

The 2012 Kite’s Rest has a concentrated dark red ruby core with pink reflections on the rim. The perfume delivers classic aromas of Pinot Noir that are only present from a vineyard of low yields and meticulous care. The nose offers notes of freshly picked wild berries, wild black cherry, strawberry and a touch of pomegranate over layers of wildflowers, wet forest foot and wet mushrooms, which give way to green cardamom, cinnamon and vanilla. The palate is rich and layered without being overbearing or losing its elegance. Flavors of dried strawberry, black cherry and various wild berries perfectly envelop the tongue and give rise to savory flavors of wet forest, black tea and a touch of wild herbs over perfectly integrated baking spices. Simply decant this wine for twenty minutes and serve in Burgundy stems around 60-65 degrees. Then strap in for the ride, because this wine is absolutely delicious. A beautiful companion to your holiday feast, this wine can stand up to roast lamb but will pair perfectly well with this roasted duck with cherries recipe.