Well, we are back. Wrapped up our European Tour (Spain and France plus Ireland) and our sabbatical. We got back to SF July 5th and thought we would finally finish the Chile posts from March (oops...).
Kingston Family Vineyards produces three varietals: Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Syrah which are primarily sold in the US (80% US, 10% Brazil, 10% Chile). They have approximately 200 acres are planted but they also farm other varietals (mostly Chardonnay) which they sell. The family has been on 7500 acres of land since the 1800's hundreds. Pretty cool story about how they raised their kids (remote learning until college and then college in the states). Anyway, you can grab all of this on the web site (www.kingstonvineyards.com).
They started producing wines in 1998 and just recently (I think last year) completed a brand new winery on the property. Their first vintage was in 2003 in which 450 cases were produced. Currently, I believe the production is closer to 2000 cases.
Prior to the new winery they leased space from Veramonte. They have a US based wine consultant Bryon Kosuge and an onsite Chilean wine maker Evelyn Vidal.
The day we visited they were bottling the most recent vintage. And in true California fashion, a bottling truck was pulled up to the winery. This was actually the first time we had seen a bottling line in action which was pretty cool.
These stainless steel barrels (yes, barrels) for the sauvignon blanc.
2007 Bayo Oscuro Syrah - Full bodied with good structure and subtle earth tones.
2008 Alazan Pinot Noir - Reminded us of a Mendocino County pinot noir. New world style that is fruit forward but shows a bit of earth around the edges.
2008 Cariblanco Sauvignon Blanc - A good balance of aciditity and minerality. Hint of peach and pomello (grapefruit family).
The outdoor tasting bar (just completed) which has views of the vineyards and part of the valley floor (sorry no pic).
Recap:
Winery
Kingston Family Vineyards - A must visit in Casablanca. Be warned you buy the bottles you taste so it is a bit pricey.
Wines
2006 Bayo Oscuro Syrah - QPR Very High, USD27, cellar worthy (bought this in the US based on the wine makers recommendation for an age worthy selection)
2007 Lucero Syrah - QPR Very High, USD20
2007 Bayo Oscuro Syrah - QPR Very High, USD27
2008 Alazan Pinot Noir - QPR High, USD30
2008 Cariblanco Sauvignon Blanc - QPR High, USD16, good for summer
Wines we bought to drink
All of the above
Where to buy them in the US
www.kingstonvineyards.com
www.klwines.com
Contacts
Courtney Kingston - info@kingstonvineyards.com
www.kingstonvineyards.com
