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. — a month ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Always express admiration for Joe Tensley wine and his entry level “Fundamental” isn’t an exception. This casual, mildly aromatic but super approachable Pinot Noir showcases a well-made, berry driven with medium tannins and a juicy finish. The mouthfeel is mildly spice and subtle earthiness. Never disappoints! — 7 months ago

Doug Powers

9.3

[En Magnum] Last week we had a much younger version of the other Tensley magnum blend, the BMT, which has some Grenache (25%) in the blend, whereas this is all Syrah. Richness and insanely forward and still very youthful fruit, very good depth, long, lingering finish, my only nit is it’s also 15.0% ABV, this should last for many years to come!! — 8 months ago

with Monique and Jim

Jason Muniz

8.9

Fundamental notes — a month ago

Doug Powers

9.3

I last posted on this wine in November of 2024, other than the cork breaking off the worm near the end, this again shows the cooler blue fruit spectrum, complex, long, lingering finish, great Central Coast Syrah!! — 2 months ago

with Jim

Freddy R. Troya

9.2

A great representation of an extremely approachable Syrah from Santa Barbara county. Medium-to-full-bodied, rounded and elegant, all red fruits on the nose concours to the palate from beginning to the very end. Medium tannins, some spices and wet woods are easily noticed. It’s a cork and pour, ready to go Syrah. Delicious! — 8 months ago

Alyssa Hague

9.0

Red blend from CA. A gift from Joan and Jen. Phil and I both liked it. — 2 months ago

Jackie Tilton

9.5

Excellent blend with Joey in Brooklyn at a Spanish meal — 2 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.5

A top dog white wine from the legendary Tensley, and this one seats among the most aromatic of his line, a blend of 50/50 Viognier and Rousanne, from Santa Barbara. Honey suckle, floral with a compelling acidly, kumquats, tropical fruits, and harmonious balance and delicate texture. This wine takes you to another dimension! Long finish and the mouthfeel is so inviting! — 8 months ago

Jocholla

9.0

Beautiful white blind, very focused, pear, honey, oyster shell, green olive. Perfect balance of new world fruit and old world handling. — 8 months ago