Wine & Spirits
Kingston Family Vineyards is named 2011 Winery of the Year, an honor awarded by Wine&Spirits to only 100 wineries each year. The award is based on score and price. "...and before they could even make their own wine, the
top winemakers in Chile were lining up to buy their grapes...Kosuge
and Vidal produce silky, blackberry-scented pinot noir as well as
deliciously textured syrahs. Their 08 Bayo blends herbal scents with
pure, ripe red fruit flavors, all shaped by firm, mineral-tinged
acidity. That mineralogy is a theme running through the best wines from the Kingston's far coast vineyard." Kingston top scoring wines: 93 points,
2008 Bayo Oscuro Syrah
92 points,
2009 Bayo Oscuro CJ's Barrel Syrah
92 points,
2010 Cariblanco Sauvignon Blanc
Also, 2009 Lucero Syrah (90 points) is named one of the 100 best buys of 2011. Winter 2011.
Wine Spectator
91 points, 2009 Bayo Oscuro Syrah: "Dark and fleshy, with alluring notes of anise, melted fig, boysenberry preserves and warm cocoa that stay poised and suave through the polished, lengthy finish. Drink now through
2012." September 2011.
90 points, 2009 Lucero Syrah: "Dark but lively, with blackberry and melted licorice notes laced with briar, tobacco and roasted mesquite. The juicy finish offsets the toast nicely...Drink now through 2012." June 2011.
90 points, 2008 Alazan CJ's Barrel Pinot Noir: "Ripe and well-layered, displaying lots of red licorice up front, a core
of red and black currant and fig fruit, and nice shadings of spice and
black tea that help fill in the finish. Judicious toast lets the finish
linger nicely. Drink now through 2011." Web Only - 2010.
90 points, 2008 Bayo Oscuro Syrah: "Quite
ripe, but very fresh, featuring delicious crushed raspberry, blueberry
and black cherry fruit laced with sweet spice, licorice and violet
notes. The long finish lets a mineral note glide in. Drink now through
2011." October 2010.
91 points,
2007 Bayo Oscuro: “Very inviting, with fig and boysenberry fruit backed by velvety
structure. The long, mocha- and spice cake-filled finish glides along
nicely. Ripe, but elegant and pure. Mouthfilling. Delicious. Drink now through 2010. ” October 2009.
90 points, 2007 Alazan Pinot Noir: “Surprisingly juicy, with really solid black cherry and cassis notes layered attractively with spice and toast shadings. A hint of wet earth on the finish adds length and complexity.” January 2009.
90 points, 2007 Lucero Syrah: “Rich, but light on its feet, with racy violet, blackberry, raspberry and sweet spice notes that race through the mineral-tinged finish. Offers fine length and grace. Drink now through 2010.” May 2009.
90 points, 2006 Cariblanco Sauvignon Blanc: “Spectator Selection” and “Smart Buy.” July 2007.
90 points, 2004 Bayo Oscuro Syrah. July 2006.
Wine & Spirits
92 points,
2009 Bayo Oscuro CJ's Barrel Syrah: "...has a spine of freshness running up and down the flavors, which have ripened to sweet blackberry jam and bright spice..." October 2011.
92 points,
2010 Cariblanco Sauvignon Blanc: "...shows its fresh, Pacific influence in floral and citrus notes..." October 2011.
91 points,
2009 Bayo Oscuro Syrah: "A suave syrah, this wine has the texture of a morsel of chocolate melting in your mouth..." October 2011.
90 points,
2009 Lucero Syrah: “(Best Buy) From southwestern Casablanca, one of the
regions closet to the sea in Chile, this is a prime example of
cool-climate syrah. Its aromas and flavors are reminiscent of herbs and
tart black fruit. The wine's acidity merges with its powerful young
tannins, a wild thing to pair with braised veal.” June 2011.
93 points,
2008 Bayo Oscuro Syrah: “Kingston ranch, in the lower Casablanca Valley,
is a cool, westerly vineyards site where syrah grows on granitic sand.
This is a graceful red, its herbal and slightly meaty flavors adding
complexity as the wine glides through the mouth, molded be an acidity
that doesn't stop delivering freshness. For duck confit salad.” February 2011.
90 points,
2008 Cariblanco Sauvignon Blanc: “The Kingston Vineyards are in Casablanca's coolest sector, where the coastal climate creates this furiously herbal and citrusy sauvignon. The texture is surprisingly lush; it is ideal for roast sea bass.” February 2010.One of 100 best buys of 2009: 2007
Lucero Syrah. "Grown on the clay and granite hills of lower Casablanca,
in the coldest part of the valley, Lucero is spicy and herbal up front,
and then warmer and in the minerally finish. Sharp acidity tones and
extends the sweet cherry flavor." November 2009. 92 points, 2007 Lucero Syrah. June 2009.
92 points,
2006 Bayo Oscuro Syrah: “The cherry and violet scent of this far-coast
syrah make a strong first impression, then follow through the generous
flavor of the wine.” October 2008.
91 points,
2007 Cariblanco Sauvignon Blanc: “This sauvignon is marked by a sharp
acidity that frames juicy citrus flavors and a creamy texture.” October 2008.
Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar
92 points, 2009 Alazan CJ's Barrel Pinot Noir. Bright ruby. Musky raspberry and cherry skin on the nose, enlivened by a sexy floral overtone that gains strength with aeration. Supple, suave and fine-grained; exhibiting a distinct elegance for a New World pinot noir. Ripe, but focused red berry and floral pastille flavors pack a punch but without carrying any excess weight. The broad palate-staining finish repeats the floral note and clings with impressive tenacity. May 2011. 91 points, 2009 Alazan Pinot Noir. Vivid red. High-pitched aromas of raspberry and cherry, marked by notes of Asian spices and blood orange that add complexity. Densely packed, but lively red and dark berry flavors provide excellent palate coverage and pick up a smoky note with aeration. Supple and sweet on the finish, which leaves notes of candied red fruits behind. This sexy wine is drinking well now. May 2011. 91 points, 2008 Bayo Oscuro CJ's Barrel Syrah. Inky-ruby. Highly aromatic nose combines black raspberry, violet, licorice and cola, enlivened by a strong note of cracked pepper. Juicy, precise and energetic, with sappy flavors of dark berries and candied violet. Silky and seductively sweet syrah, finishing with gentle tannins and lingering smokiness. May 2011. 90 points, 2009 Cariblanco Sauvignon Blanc. Bright straw. Shy aromas of lemon curd, pear and white flowers, with a touch of what I suspect smells like cannabis that gains strength with air. Light-bodied, juicy and complex, highlighted by fresh orchard fruit and candied citrus flavors and a silky, pliant texture. This wine has the heft to handle richer foods but there's a light touch as well. Finishes smooth and with very good persistence. May 2011. 90 points, 2009 Tobiano Pinot Noir. Ruby-red. Spiced dark berries, cherry, minerals and mocha on the nose. Sweet, lush and nicely concentrated, exuding round, seamless flavors of raspberry and cherry compote, lifted by a floral element. Offers good energy and shows more depth and open-knit character than the Alazan; I suspect that many people will prefer this wine to its big sister. May 2011. 90 points, 2008 Bayo Oscuro Syrah. Opaque ruby. High-pitched red and dark berry aromas are complicated by hints of spice cake, cracked pepper and potpourri. Tangy and energetic for syrah, offering bright red fruit flavors that pick up weight with air. Finishes on a peppery note and with lingering floral nuances. This is delicious right now. May 2011. 90 points, 2007 Bayo Oscuro Syrah. Dark purple. Cherry, blackberry, spices and cracked pepper on the pungent nose. Sweet red berry and bitter cherry qualities on the palate, along with notes of candied flowers and smoked meat. Showing a more serious personality than the Lucero today as well as more complexity. Finishes with very good clarity and a lingering bitterness. March 2010. 91 points, 2006 Bayo Oscuro Syrah. “Tangy and pinot-like in its precision and red fruit expression...I'd love to taste this alongside some high-end California syrahs.” March 2009.
90 points, 2007 Tobiano Pinot Noir. “Really alluring pinot...This would stack up well next to plenty of $50 pinots from the New or Old World.” March 2009.
2007 Lucero Syrah. “Inky ruby. Explosively perfumed...impressively long, juicy finish. This is a superb bargain that behaves like a California syrah costing at least twice as much.” March 2009.
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Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate
90 points, 2008 Alazan Pinot Noir: "...dark ruby red in color with an enticing perfume of wood
smoke, spice box, cherry blossom, cranberry, and black raspberry.
Medium-bodied and silky-textured, it elegantly displays spicy dark
fruits, good balance, and a pure finish.” December 2010. 91 points, 2008 Lucero Syrah: “Medium purple; pepper, cinnamon, smoked meat, blueberry, some elegance and complexity.” November 2010. 90 points, 2008 Cariblanco Sauvignon Blanc: “Light straw color; baking spices, grapefruit, lemon-lime; lively acidity, crisp, balanced.” November 2010.
2007 Cariblanco Sauvignon Blanc: “…a crisp, clean wine with ripe citrus flavors, good balance and a sprightly finish...” November 2008.
2006 Bayo Oscuro Syrah: “…purple-colored with an attractive, gamey, blue fruit bouquet…a meaty character, plush texture...” November 2008. “One of the rare Pinots from South America to have graced the pages of this publication…” October 2004.
Connecticut Cottages and Garden
Liquid Gold "Kingston Family Vineyards, one of Chile's American owned garagiste wineries, has a great backstory." March 2011.
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Food & Wine 2011 Wine Guide
Kingston Family Vineyards Lucero Syrah 2008: Carl John Kingston's hope of finding gold and copper in Chile in the early 1900s led his family to the wine business instead. This standout red, which is rich yet light, has racy violet, blackberry, raspberry and sweet spice flavors around a core of minerals. February 2011.
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Dallas Morning News
2010 Dallas Morning News Wine Competition:
2008 Tobiano Pinot Noir, 2009 Lucero Syrah, 2007 Bayo Oscuro Syrah, and 2008 Cariblanco Sauvignon Blanc are awarded Silver Medals. 2007 Alazan Pinot Noir is awarded a Bronze Medal. February 2011.
Silicon Valley Mercury News
One Casablanca winery that has found success with pinot noir is Kingston Family Vineyards, founded with pinot in mind. "We planted in the hills from the start," says Courtney Kingston, a Stanford University graduate and Peninsula resident who manages imports, sales and marketing for the family business. The Kingstons had planned to be simply grape growers -- most of the fruit is still sold -- but they made a little wine to show the quality of the vineyard. The 2008 Kingston Family "Tobiano" Pinot Noir ($20), a good value, offers plump cherry with a slight leafy note and firm structure, while the 2007 "Alazan" Pinot Noir ($30) is a little more refined, but benefits from some air. An up-and-coming variety from these cool areas is syrah. It displays classic cool-climate syrah character: pepper, smoke, roasted meat. For example, the 2008 Kingston Family "Lucero" Syrah ($18) is smoky and peppery, with bright blackberry, spice, a hint of lavender and fine tannins. From San Antonio Valley, the 2008 Matetic "EQ" Syrah ($43) adds nuances of smoke and roasted meat. February 2011.
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Wine Enthusiast
Chile's Standouts from a Year to Remember - 30 Top Wines to Buy Now by Michael Schachner: "Kingston's top wine...shows that Chile can produce world-class Pinot Noir." February 2011.
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Wine Spectator
Great Values from Chile, by James Molesworth 13 excellent value wines show that the country’s diverse geography is fertile ground for cool-climate grapes “Chile has a long tradition of success with warm-climate varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Carmenère. But now this long, thin country is starting to show some of its geographical diversity by demonstrating success with cool-climate varieties as well. …Of particular note are the Syrahs from winemaker Evelyn Vidal of Kingston Family—the wines show dark fruit flavors but stay elegant in profile, with hints of spice, mineral and white pepper. The Pinots are also delicious, with silky mouthfeel and a range of red and black fruit flavors…” 2007 Bayo Oscuro Syrah 2007 (91 points), 2008 Alazan Pinot Noir and 2008 Tobiano Pinot Noir are reviewed in the article. October 30, 2009.
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Wine & Spirits
Kingston Family Vineyards selected as a Value Brand of the Year. June 2010.
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Wine Spectator
James Molesworth features 2007 Lucero Syrah as one of two wines showing the potential of cool climate reds from Casablanca, in video Chile's Cool Reds. May 2009.
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Wine Spectator
Chile's One-Two Punch by James Molesworth in Wine Spectator’s May 31, 2009 issue maintains that the Kingstons “are proving Pinot Noir can thrive in Chile.” May 2009.
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Wine Spectator
Pinot Noir and Syrah from Chile by James Molesworth in Wine Spectator’s July 3, 2006 issue contains the comment that “New faces such as Kingston Family are…bringing excitement to Chile.” July 2006.
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Silicon Valley Mercury News and Contra Costa Times
Corkheads: Wine Trends for 2010, and Beyond, by Jessica Yadegaran
Kingston Pinots recommended as wines to check out. Byron Kosuge noted as one of the world's Pinot Noir experts. January 13, 2010.
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Stanford Business
Days of Wine and Cows article features Courtney Kingston, managing partner of Kingston Family Vineyards. Fall 2009.
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Revista LaCav
Kingston winemaker Evelyn Vidal highlighted as one of 12 winemakers to watch. Fall 2009.
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The Almanac
Finding the Gold: Local woman and her family transform their great-grandfather's Chilean cattle ranch into vineyards, and make their mark in the wine world. June 2009.
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San Francisco Chronicle
“Chile’s Pinot Prospectors” profiles Kingston Family in a three-page feature in the Wine section. August 2007.
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Wine & Spirits
"Kingston Family Vineyards is one of the most important growers in Casablanca." Their Bayo Oscuro "is one of the most beautiful Syrahs ever made in Chile." February 2008.
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Wine Enthusiast
90 points, 2010 Cariblanco Sauvignon Blanc. December 2011.
90 points, 2008 Alazan CJ's Barrel Pinot Noir. "Big, dark and brash...rich. creamy, oaky and full-bodied. The nose brings toast, heat and potency, while the flavors are saturated, spicy and revolve around wild berry, tea, spice, caramel and savory warmth. Only gets better as it opens and airs; drink now through 2012." December 2010. 91 points, 2008 Alazan Pinot Noir."Kingston’s top-level Pinot Noir has been a consistent scorer for the past three vintages. The 2008 starts with pure raspberry and cherry aromas as well as tea accents, while the textbook palate has a proper feel and tasty raspberry and cherry flavors. Spice notes and integrated oak help it achieve its status as one of Chile’s truest,most recognizable Pinot Noirs. Drink now through 2011." March 2010. 90 points, 2007 Alazan Pinot Noir. May 2009.
90 points, 2006 Alazan Pinot Noir: “One of Chile’s most honest producers of varietally correct Pinot is Kingston Family.” May 2008.
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Wine Enthusiast
“ Sommeliers' new Chilean favorite. The best Pinot Noirs I've tried from Chile..." November 2005.
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Food & Wine Wine Guide 2009
2004 Bayo Oscuro Syrah: Winemaker Byron Kosuge spent 14 years at California's Saintsbury before branching out on his own to consult at smaller California wineries and in Chile, where he crafts big, bold wines like this Syrah; ripe black cherry and blackberry flavors are woven with notes of dust, spice, black pepper and toasty oak. *** EXCELLENT Top-notch of its type. November 2008.
Food & Wine
"Kingston Family Vineyards produces some of Chile’s best Pinots..." November 2007.
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Decanter
Decanter World Wine Awards 2011: 2008 Lucero Syrah wins a Silver Medal. Spring 2011.The article entitled From Zero to Hero - Chilean Syrah by Peter Richards recognizes 2008 Lucero Syrah with four stars and as one of the 10 Best Chilean Syrahs for Every Budget. "Complex, edgy aromatics, incorporating classic Syrah notes of violets, pepper and grilled meats. Lots of succulent cassis and plum fruit on the palate. Good lift on the finish. Full, savoury flavours with warming spice." June 2010.
Decanter World Wine Awards 2010: 2008 Alazan Pinot Noir is awarded a Silver Medal. 2008 Tobiano Pinot Noir, 2008 Lucero Syrah and 2007 Bayo Oscuro Syrah are awarded Bronze Medals.
The cover article features Coastal Casablanca as
"one of the most exciting New World terroirs..." In the article entitled
Chile: Costal Casablanca by Peter Richards: "American-owned Kingston is one of the
area’s most promising producers. Winemaker Byron Kosuge, who spent 14
years at Saintsbury in Carneros, California, says Pinot Noir and
Sauvignon Blanc are the stars. “They have New World generosity with Old
World structure. At their best, they give the best of both worlds.”' July
2009.
In the article entitled Vintage Report: Chile 2007 in decanter.com, Peter Richards selects 2007 Lucero Syrah and 2007 Tobiano Pinot Noir in Richards’ Top Reds of the Vintage. He awards four stars
to 2007 Lucero Syrah: “Fine-grained and fresh primary fruit with juicy
concentration and a long peppery finish. Drink 2010–2013." And he
awards three stars to 2007 Tobiano Pinot Noir: “Good structure and elegant tannins. Floral, cherry notes with a smoky, oaky edge. Drink now." July 2009.
2006 Bayo Oscuro Syrah: In the article entitled Chile: Costal Casablanca by Peter Richards: "Inviting notes of baked fruits, fresh meat and warm earth characterize this round red with engaging rustic edges." July 2009.
2006 Bayo Oscuro Syrah: Five Star Wine: “Expressive, leafy, crunchy black fruits and fine complexity. Lovely fleshy palate yet not excessive and good vineyard expression. Slight Syrah leatheriness. Good future.” June 2009.
Decanter World Wine Awards 2009: 2006 Bayo Oscuro Syrah: Recommended Chilean Syrah. June 2009.
2007 Lucero Syrah: Recommended Chilean Syrah. June 2009.
2007 Lucero Syrah wins a Silver Medal and 2007 Tobiano Pinot Noir is awarded Commended. Spring 2009.
Bon Appetit
The 2007 Cariblanco Sauvignon Blanc is "one of our favorites." August 2008.
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