Deep fruit flavors. Great color. Smooth — a month ago
While clearly a labor of love from a family who cares to express it, the 2021 Santa Barbara County Syrah needs time to breathe and allow to open itself up. While a little pour right from the rip is never a bad idea, this particular Piedra Sassi benefits and blossoms from a thorough decant and a smidge of patience. It must be said : I’m getting not only getting good gobs of both wholehearted and heartfelt tones of ‘home’, but deeper notes of some brilliant wine-making going on. This one’s going to be tough to beat for the $. — 2 months ago
Tensley – Colson Canyon Vineyard Syrah 2022
Santa Maria Valley AVA, Santa Barbara County, California, USA 🇺🇸
Overview
100% Syrah from the high-elevation, rocky Colson Canyon Vineyard—a benchmark site for dense, expressive Rhône-style reds in Santa Barbara County. The 2022 shows trademark intensity with lifted aromatics and serious structure.
Aromas & Flavors
Blackberry and dark plum core with waves of pepper, smoked meat, coffee, and anise, plus subtle floral and stony/mineral undertones. Opens steadily in the glass, gaining savory complexity.
Mouthfeel
Medium-to-full bodied with firm, well-knit tannins and lively acidity. Long, graceful finish. A touch of youthful CO₂ “ping” on opening can appear—vigorous swirling knocks it right back.
Winemaking Notes
Site-driven, concentrated Colson fruit; crafted for purity and power. 2022 has the stuffing to age 15–20 years, but is compelling with proper air today.
Food Pairing
Grilled lamb chops, pepper-crusted steak, duck confit, wild-mushroom ragù, smoked brisket, or aged Manchego/Gouda.
Verdict
An explosive yet composed Colson Canyon Syrah—all spice, smoke, and dark fruit wrapped in precision. Fantastic now after a hearty decant; built for the long haul. — a month ago
Smooth, light oak up front, crisp finish — a month ago
Classic Pinot with strawberries and cherry aromas. Medium tannins and medium acidity. A good value even on a restaurant menu. Nice with food. Will get again. — 2 months ago
Ruby color with aromas of red fruit, herb spice and earthy notes. On the palate flavors of raspberry and cherry with dried herb notes, vanilla and toasty oak. Fine tannins, long finish ending with fresh fruit, spice and earthy tones. — a month ago
Honey on the front end. almonds on the finish — a month ago
Awesome. Good minerality for a California chard — 2 months ago
Rhône white blend on Cali steroids. Plush, rich and weighty. Nearly 10 years in, you can’t touch this in terms of quality and value. Oily, viscous and decadent with notes of roasted pineapples, white cherries and marzipan complementing very soft acidity and exaggerated sweetness. This is high-octane fuel. — 4 months ago
Chris MacLean
Another good bottle of this $25 favorite — 2 hours ago