More about the 2014 BLACK KITE SOBERANES VINEYARD SANTA LUCIA HIGHLANDS PINOT NOIR The 2014 Black Kite Soberanes Vineyard Pinot Noir is rooted in one of the most compelling sites in the Santa Lucia Highlands, a region defined by wind, elevation, and a long, cool growing season. Soberanes Vineyard sits high on the slopes overlooking the Salinas Valley, where persistent afternoon winds and marine influence slow ripening and build natural structure. These conditions produce Pinot Noir with depth and intensity, but also with a clarity that reflects the vineyard’s exposed, hillside setting. Black Kite’s focus on site expression is evident from the outset, capturing the tension and energy that define this remarkable vineyard. Aromatically, the wine is layered and expressive, opening with dark cherry, wild berry, and raspberry, followed by subtle floral notes and savory undertones that hint at earth and spice. The palate is both generous and precise, offering concentrated fruit framed by bright acidity and finely textured tannins. Rather than leaning toward excess, the wine maintains balance, allowing the fruit, structure, and secondary nuances to unfold gradually. Each element feels integrated, shaped by the vineyard’s cool climate and the deliberate, restrained approach taken in the cellar. What makes the 2014 Soberanes Vineyard Pinot Noir truly memorable is its combination of power and finesse. It delivers the depth expected from Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir while preserving elegance and lift, creating a wine that is as compelling in its detail as it is in its presence. This is a Pinot Noir that speaks clearly of place, rewarding attention with layers of complexity and a finish that lingers long after the glass is set down. It stands as a confident, enduring expression of Soberanes Vineyard and Black Kite’s commitment to vineyard-driven wines.