Freddy R. Troya

9.1

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. — 3 days ago

Stephen Fitzpatrick

9.0

Smooth, light oak up front, crisp finish — 6 days ago

Norman

9.2

Winemaker dinner at Nari. This was clearly young and tasted next to the 2011 missing the depth of maturity — 22 days ago

Perry Atha

9.5

Fantastic !!! One word describes it all — 2 days ago

Joe DAscoli

9.6

Smells and then tastes like burgundy.

Red raspberry and beautiful finesse — 3 days ago

Matt Perlman

9.1

Decent but could use a little more oomph — 12 days ago

Norman

9.5

Winemaker dinner at Nari. Fabulous and if not tied for WOTN it might win in some cases. — 22 days ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.3

2023 vintage. Excellent black cherry concentration. Medium body. Enduring. — 16 days ago

Karl Heinmiller

9.3

Honey on the front end. almonds on the finish — 3 days ago

Pooneet K

9.3

Delicious per usual. Last had 2 years ago and this is in a nice place. Perfect with skirt steak off the grill. A treat. — 20 days ago