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Wine Enthusiast Magazine
Vinous
San Luis Obispo County Plays it cool
Vinous
90 POINTS - 2017 Pinot Noir Rosé Barn Owl Blush
Extremely pale pink. Lively strawberry and blood orange scents, along with hints of succulent flowers and herbs. Dry and focused on the palate, displaying nervy, mineral-laced red berry, tangerine and candied rose qualities that deepen on the back half. Finishes chewy and quite long, displaying lingering florality and a touch of bitter orange zest.
Wine Enthusiast
Top 10 Wine Getaways in the World of 2018
OC Register
Wine Enthusiast
Getting to Know California's Best Unsung Wine Regions
The Mercury News
Central Coast: Five Great Tasting Rooms
SF Gate
Slew of SLO Wineries Feature Tasting Rooms
Wine Enthusiast Magazine
Santa Barbara Independent
World of Pinot Noir in Your Glass
Two Guys From Napa
Pinot Noir Recommendations: Favorites from the 2017 World of Pinot Noir
Wine Enthusiast Magazine
93 POINTS - This ode to the owls that surround the region's vineyard is a compelling mix of Pinot Noir and Grenache that offers juicy cherries and strawberries on the nose alongside smoked meat, allspice, nutmeg and a touch of caramel. The flavors are broad, inviting and rich, with black cherry, blueberry and smoked beef. It's as delicious as it is avant garde.
Wine Enthusiast Magazine
93 POINTS - 2013 Nocturnum
This ode to the owls that surround the region's vineyard is a compelling mix of Pinot Noir and Grenache that offers juicy cherries and strawberries on the nose alongside smoked meat, allspice, nutmeg and a touch of caramel. The flavors are broad, inviting and rich, with black cherry, blueberry and smoked beef. It's as delicious as it is avant garde.
90 POINTS - 2013 Pinot Noir Stone Corral Vineyard
Hudson Mod
The Collectors 10 - Bottles Every Collector Must Have
StyleCaster June 2016
Wine Enthuasiast December 2015 - Best of the Year Issue
Wine Enthuasiast - Top 100 Cellar Selections of 2015
KCET
"...Kynsi, just celebrating its 20th harvest, makes some of the best wines, especially for the price, in the region. They're sort of the embodiment of Mike Dawson's claims: essential collaborators in their welding and manufacturing business, yet also eager to buck any template. For instance one of their most striking wines is Nocturnum, a blend of both pinot noir and Grenache. If you taste some, it will be a cascade of fruit and flower, soil and soul."
Wine Enthuasiast December 2015
Wine Enthusiast September 2015
Wine Enthusiast August 2015
The SOMM Journal June/July 2015
Paste Magazine May 2015
The SOMM Journal April/May 2015
Sacramento Magazine February 2015
Ocean Grown - Krista Minard
In these picturesque furrows between the Santa Lucia mountain range and the accompanying hillsides, grapes grow stressed all season long, challenged by wind and heat and sun and chill and soil that changes with practically every hillside.
SF Gate January 2015
Slew of SLO Wineries Feature Tasting Rooms - Stacy Finz
Wine Country This Month December 2014
Santa Maria Valley Winemakers Produce World-Class Pinot Noir From Bien Nacido Fruit - Melissa Vogt
"The reason that the Millers have focused so much of their energy and passion on the Pinot Noir grape variety is mostly because the Santa Maria Valley possesses impeccable terroir for growing this temperamental grape. This appellation is 'special because of the transverse mountain ranges that bring in the fog every morning from the water; this keeps us a true Region 1 [on the Winkler scale] growing spot—ideal for Pinot Noir,' Miller explains. Furthermore, Bien Nacido Vineyard is located specifically on the 'Santa Maria Bench with a south facing gentle slope that seems to be a sweet spot to grow Pinot Noir'...Kynsi Winery is doing an absolutely fantastic job at turning Bien Nacido fruit into truly remarkable wine. The juiciness of the fruit is mouth watering on the finish and leaves the palate wanting more—a true testament to how well Pinot Noir made from the original plantings in the Bien Nacido Vineyard will age when given time in the cellar."
San Jose Mercury News October 2014
The Pleasures of Pismo - Jackie Burrell
Arizona Daily Sun August 2014
Magic In The Middle - John VanKat
Chicago Tribune January 2014
USA Today October 2013
Guided Wine Tours of California's Central Coast - Virginia Boone
Wine Enthusiast December 2012
92 POINTS - There’s a mushroom note to this Pinot that gives it an earthy richness, helping to ground the ripe, jammy raspberry and cherry flavors. This is Kynsi’s best ’09 Pinot Noir, but you should give it 1–3 years in the bottle to let everything integrate. Cellar Selection. —S.H.
Wine Enthusiast October 2012
91 POINTS - 2009 PINOT NOIR Stone Corral Vineyard
This is absolutely delicious, with raspberry, cherry and mocha flavors that go on and on. Great Central Coast acidity provides needed tartness to balance the richness. It's a beautiful, ripe, flashy and sophisticated Pinot Noir, showing the early drinkability and freshness of the Edna Valley. -S.H.
91 POINTS - 2009 PINOT NOIR Bien Nacido Vineyard
Made in the Kynsi style, this is direct and delicious, made for drinking now. The wild raspberry and cherry flavors have a brightness and acidity that make them savory. -S.H.
90 POINTS - 2009 PINOT NOIR Edna Valley
The translucency, acidity and laserlike purity of red berry fruit make this Pinot Noir uniquely Edna Valley. It's as delicate as silk, yet packs a real flavor and spice punch. Very finely crafted, it's a fine, dry wine to drink now. -S.H.
Sunset Magazine October 2012 - Arroyo Grande Day Trip
"Kynsi (pictured;Kynsi.com) pairs vineyard views with elegantly complex Pinots."
Wine Enthusiast April 2012
92 POINTS - 2008 PINOT NOIR Estate Stone Corral Vineyard
This cool climate vineyard seems to need warmth to ripen, and 2008 provided just enough to make the wine tantalizing. It’s dry, crisp and elegant, with a silky mouthfeel framing cherry, cola, bacon, cinnamon and white pepper flavors that are frankly irresistible.
91 POINTS & EDITOR'S CHOICE - 2008 PINOT NOIR Edna Valley
Edna Valley Pinot Noirs can be simple, but this one’s not. It has a depth and seriousness that are good enough to accompany a great steak, lamb chop or grilled tuna. Dry and smooth, its cherry and raspberry flavors are enhanced with a deft touch of sweet, smoky oak.
Pacific Coast Business Times – Edna Valley Vintner’s Invention a Game-Changer For His Peers - January 2012
From the Central Coast and Napa Valley to France, Liechtenstein and the Golan Heights, wineries around the globe are using a game-changing stainless steel production device invented by Arroyo Grande winemaker Don Othman, who says…“I used to say everyone but Syria, but even Syria has it. They’ve gotten serious about making wine.” Read the full article at www.pacbiztimes.com
New Times – Kathy’s Pick - November 2011
2009 PINOT BLANC Bien Nacido Vineyard
This is one of the most elegant and delicious Pinot Blancs I’ve tasted in a long time. Pretty in its aromas and flavors of ripe apple, pear, melon, and nectarine, it’s highlighted with notes of Meyer lemon, honey, and vanilla… It is impressive and irresistible.
2008 PINOT NOIR Estate Stone Corral Vineyard
This magical wine is perfect for holiday dinners, and a very good value considering the prices of its peers from Napa or France. Boldly flavorful, yet refined and elegant, this incredible wine offers layers of flavors with black cherries, blackberries, plums, and spice box flavors that marry harmoniously with nuances of earth and leather. A good choice for filet mignon with a mushroom sauce, prime rib, rack of lab, ahi, or salmon, it’s sure to delight your dinner guests during the holidays.
2008 PINOT NOIR Edna Valley
This budget friendly Pinot is just the ticket for those who can’t afford the reserve level Stone Corral. Grown in the estate vineyard, this is a delicious wine that you’ll enjoy with the meal and afterward; its friendly fruit flavors make it easy drinking. It offers bright notes of tangy red cherries and black cherries, and ripe plums, with hints of earth, spice, and white pepper. It’s perfect for the holiday table, or anytime you want to treat yourself to an excellent wine with dinner—even if it’s simply roast beef.
Wine Enthusiast December 15, 2010
90 Points - 2009 BARN OWL BLUSH Pink Wine, Central Coast
"A very pretty rosé, one of the most attractive on the market. Made from Pinot Noir, it’s light and delicate, with polished raspberry, tangerine zest, rose petal, vanilla, gingersnap cookie and cinnamon spice flavors."
Everyday with Rachael Ray November 2010
The Great Escape
When it comes time to taste wine, you could stay in town - 17 tasting rooms are a short walk from the hotel - or hop in the car and head to the coast, past open meadows and grazing horces to the down-home Kynsi Winery housed in a renovated dairy barn. It's all hands on deck for the women of the Othman family and you might find one or more Othmans pouring a Kalanna Syrah or the Barn Owl Blush, a portion of whose proceeds goes to breast cancer research and awareness.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate - Issue #190 August 2010
The 2007 Syrah ZB Bien Nacido Vineyard combines power with elegance. Black olive, tapenade, cassis, new saddle leather, graphite, and licorice characteristics all make an appearance in the complex aromatics of this dark ruby/purple-tinged wine. Medium-bodied with outstanding ripeness, good freshness and uplift, well-concealed oak, and restrained alcohol, it should be consumed over the next 5-6 years.
Santa Barbara Independant - S.L.O. Sips in the Edna Valley
Kynsi Winery: This winery, owned and operated by the Othman family, is producing some of the most complex pinot noirs in the valley. With a grounded, no-frills approach, winemaker Don Othman crafts small-lot wines that are big on character. Read full article
Pinot File April 8, 2010
2007 PINOT NOIR Bien Nacido Vineyard
13.9% alc. Enticing aromas of rose petals and fresh berries. Appealing savoriness on the palate with smooth texture and impeccable balance.
Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar November 2009
90 Points - 2006 SYRAH ZB Bien Nacido Vineyard - Santa Maria Valley
Wine Enthusiast October 2009
91 Points - 2006 PINOT NOIR ESTATE Stone Corral Vineyard - Edna Valley
"Brilliantly ripe in pure, clean cherries, black raspberries, red currants, cola, vanilla, buttered toast and sandalwood, this lovely Pinot Noir is backed up with crisp, cool-climate acidity. It's very fine and classic now, and should hold for a few years."
92 Points - 2006 PINOT NOIR Bien Nacido Vineyard - Santa Maria Valley
"Combines power with delicacy to produce a savory, complex young Pinot Noir. Shows a silky texture and crisp coastal acidity, with potent flavors of ripe red cherries, Dr. Pepper cola, beef jerky and black pepper. Delicious and dry. Best now - 2012."
Wine Enthusiast December 2008
2005 PINOT NOIR ESTATE Stone Corral Vineyard - Edna Valley
Number 38 in The Top 100 wines of 2008
Pinot File Volume 7, Issue 6 - November 17, 2008
2005 Kynsi Winery Bien Nacido Vineyard Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., $36. Kynsi is a small family winery located in the Edna Valley appellation of San Luis Obispo owned by Don and Gwen Othman. Pommard and Martini clones. Dark reddish-purple in color. Sensual aromas of black cherries, blackberries, violets and oak toast. Nicely composed red and black fruits with subtle overtones of oak, savory herbs and that signature Bien Nacido white pepper. Impeccable balance and a clean finish. This remarkable wine seduces rather than overpowers with tender, lithe and captivating flavors. This one was kissed by an angel.
Wine Enthusiast September 2008
95 Points - 2005 PINOT NOIR ESTATE Stone Corral Vineyard - Edna Valley
"An enormously opulent wine, brimming with gobs of red cherries, currants, mocha, clove, cinnamon and pepper flavors. Impresses for the lushness and integrity of the structure. Brilliant wine, just gorgeous, a real crowd-pleaser. With its recent track record, Kynsi enters the front ranks of California Pinot Noir producers.-Editors' Choice."
93 Points - 2005 PINOT NOIR Bien Nacido Vineyard - Santa Maria Valley
"This pretty Pinot Noir is drinking well now, but has the depth to last for a while. It's succulent and forward in black and red currant, Dr. Pepper, clove, smoky vanilla and pepper flavors. Really a beautiful, alluring wine. - Editors' Choice."
90 Points - 2005 PINOT NOIR - Edna Valley
"Here's a vibrantly fruity, fresh young wine. It's light in texture and silky, with crisp, lip-smacking flavors of cherries, raspberries, licorice, cola, cloves and cinnamon. Delicious now."
Wine Enthusiast June 2008
93 Points - 2004 SYRAH ZB Bien Nacido Vineyard - Santa Maria Valley
"The wine is a serious Syrah that further establishes Kynsi's mastery of this variety, which is so hard to make into a complex wine. Dryly tannic, it shows a fabulous range of flavors, among them blackberries, black cherries, chocolate-covered mints, licorice candy and plum jam, and even lighter, pastry notes of pecan sandy cookies. Might age for a while, but probably at its best now."
90 Points - 2004 SYRAH Edna Ranch Vineyard - Edna Valley
"A fine, beautiful Syrah that's showing well now for its bright upfront fruit and young vibrant mouthfeel. The flavors of blackberries, mocha, licorice, plums and spices are succulent, while the finish is balanced and dry."
Wine Enthusiast April 2008
90 Points - 2006 PINOT BLANC Bien Nacido Vineyard, Santa Maria Valley
"This is the fourth 90-point score this bottling has earned in as many years, meaning the wine has hit a very nice stride. Made with no oak, it offers a crisp, fruity freshness, with flavors of limes, tangerines, peaches, pears and vanilla."
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate Issue 172 - OCT 2007
90 Points - 2004 PINOT NOIR Bien Nacido Vineyard, Santa Maria Valley
"Classic Cote de Nuits-like aromas of forest floor, spring flowers, plums, black currants and cherries are found in the complex aromatics of this finely crafted Pinot. While lighter-styled in the mouth, it reveals a lush, complex style with soft tannins, a round, savory, broad mouthfeel, medium body and abundant fruit. Already evolved, it should be consumed over the next 4-5 years."
Wine Enthusiast MAY 2007
90 Points - 2005 PINOT BLANC Bien Nacido Vineyard, Santa Maria Valley
"Kynsi is showing a commitment to this variety that is praiseworthy, and consumers should take notice. The wine has the full-bodied creaminess of Chardonnay, but with unique fresh melon, guava and green apple flavors that are deep and long on the finish." - S.H.
Pinot Noir Shootout 2007
91 Points - 2004 PINOT NOIR Edna Valley
placed 2nd with professional panel A
Wine & Spirits Magazine December 2006
92 Points - 2003 Syrah Edna Ranch Vineyard Edna Valley
Wine Enthusiast December 2006
90 Points - 2004 Pinot Blanc Bien Nacido Vineyard Santa Maria Valley
Wine Enthusiast October 2006
91 Points - 2003 Pinot Noir ESTATE Stone Corral Vineyard Edna Valley
Wine Enthusiast Magazine July 2006
94 Points - 2003 Syrah Kalanna Edna Valley
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate Issue 166
90 Points - 2003 Syrah Edna Ranch Vineyard Edna Valley
"These impressive offerings from Kynsi (owl lovers will adore the label) include the 2003 Syrah Edna Ranch, a broad, hedonistic, satisfying syrah that terroirists will undoubtedly criticize for its easy appeal and lush, rich fruit. Masochists aside, this is a dark plum/ruby/purple-colored, fruity, deep, rich, soft red to enjoy over the next 3-4 years."
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
92 Points - 2003 Syrah Kalanna Edna Valley
"A seamless blockbuster, it boasts a deep ruby/purple hue along with aromas of smoke, blackberries, creme de cassis, licorice, and earth, a layered style, impressive purity, powerful but well-balanced flavors, decent acidity, and ripe but noticeable tannin. This big, mouthfilling, chewy Syrah should drink effortlessly for 8-10 years."
Wine & Spirits Magazine November 2005
94 Points - 2002 SYRAH - ZB Bien Nacido Vineyard Santa Maria Valley
TOP 100 WINES OF THE WORLD
Wine & Spirits Magazine October 2005
94 Points - 2002 SYRAH - ZB Bien Nacido Vineyard Santa Maria Valley
TOP TEN SYRAHS
Wine Enthusiast Magazine September 2005
92 Points - 2002 Syrah Edna Ranch Vineyard Edna Valley
Editors' Choice - PICTURE OF THE WINE ON THE COVER
"Edna Valley is one of the coolest prime coastal areas in California and this wine is fresh with acidity. It starts with a burst of white pepper and black currants, then turns long and juicy in the mouth, showing just how ripe the grapes got. This is a beautiful Syrah, balanced, rich and nuanced".
91 Points - 2002 Syrah ZB Bien Nacido Vineyard Santa Maria Valley
"Bien Nacido Syrahs are usually tannic in youth and so is this fresh youg wine. Starts with hints of coffee, meat and pepper and has a wonderfully concentrated heart of blackberry, cassis, cherry and spice flavors. Great with rich meats and cheeses, but should improve through 2008".
Wine & Spirits Magazine June 2005
94 Points - 2002 SYRAH - ZB Bien Nacido Vineyard Santa Maria Valley
"There's a red glow within the blackness of this wine, something electric and bright behind the substaintial, satin-textured extract. It's a young powerhouse, still primary in its pure flavor of fresh syrah grapes, spiced by meaty, mineral tannin that grows right out of the grape skins. There's pleasure in the wine's intensity for now, as there will likely be tremendous complexity when it starts to mellow with age".
Pinot Noir Shoot Out 2005
91 Points - 2002 Pinot Noir Edna Valley
"Pure black cherry, cola and raspberry aromas repeat on the palate and are enhanced by vanilla and cedar from mid palate through the finish. This Pinot Noir is balanced, structured and has nice round tannins that work together and develope into a long berry finish. This wine will provide much pleasure".
2005 L.A. County Fair Wine Competition
Gold 2002 Pinot Noir ~ Edna Valley
Gold 2002 Syrah ~ Edna Ranch Vineyard
Silver 2002 Syrah ZB ~ Bien Nacido Vineyard
Bronze 2002 Pinot Noir ~ Bien Nacido Vineyard
2005 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
Gold 2002 Pinot Noir ~ Bien Nacido Vineyard
Silver 2003 Pinot Blanc ~ Bien Nacido Vineyard
Silver 2002 Syrah ~ Edna Ranch Vineyard
Bronze 2001 Zinfandel West River ~ Barn Owl Vineyard
Bronze 2002 Syrah ZB ~ Bien Nacido Vineyard