Jonata Winery

Todos Ballard Canyon Red Bordeaux Blend 2019

9.2

Great blend with literally the kitchen sink of varietals (10!). Haven’t had their more pricy cuvées but if this is any indication, they knock it out of the park! Side note, gorgeous tasting room. @Ryan Colthorp came visit for a wine trip! — 3 days ago

with Natasha

Stolpman Vineyards

Estate Grown Ballard Canyon Syrah 2023

Doggfather

9.4

A home run at the price. — a month ago

Felton Road

Bannockburn Pinot Noir 2016

Andrew Cullimore

9.0

Quite light garnet wide terracotta , garnet rim. Quite a lot of dry spice , nutmeg , star anis , red cherry, raspberry , red currant , earthy hints . After a while a bit more leafy , smoky on the nose. On the palate this is quite light and direct in style , raspberry , red cherry and those earthy , granite touches . This has fresh acidity and fine , light tannins . Reasonable earthy , spiced finish . Certainly ready and on this showing will probably last ok another 5 or so years. Not the most complex , overall I found it a little pedestrian, but still showing ok , but no need to wait any longer , I don’t see this improving . — 3 months ago

Tom, Chris and 7 others liked this

Littorai

Mays Canyon Pinot Noir 2017

Brian S

9.2

Holding very well, still has some legs but fruit is waning. — a month ago

Ira, Bob and 7 others liked this

Williams Selyem

Westside Road Neighbors Pinot Noir 2006

Norman

9.0

This one read thin to me. It’s been better. — a month ago

Andrew, Tom and 4 others liked this

Tensley

Colson Canyon Vineyard Syrah 2023

Freddy R. Troya

9.2

Tensley – Syrah – 2023
Colson Canyon Vineyard – Santa Barbara County – USA 🇺🇸

Overview
100% Syrah from the high-elevation Colson Canyon Vineyard, a benchmark site that consistently delivers powerful yet balanced fruit. This vintage shows tension between ripeness, structure, and freshness.

Aromas & Flavors
Black cherry, blackberry, cracked pepper, violet, licorice, and a subtle smoky undertone. Dark, spicy, and focused.

Mouthfeel
Medium-plus body with sleek acidity and fine, integrated tannins. Concentrated but not heavy, with a long, peppery finish that lingers.

Food Pairings
Grilled lamb, beef skewers, duck confit, pepper-crusted steak, or roasted mushrooms.

Verdict
A balanced, expressive Syrah with depth, spice, and length – a great example of why Santa Barbara continues to challenge the top Rhône-style regions.

Did You Know?
Colson Canyon sits at nearly 1,500 ft elevation, producing small berries with thick skins, a key reason these Syrahs show intense color, aromatics, and age-worthy structure. — 2 months ago