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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.
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
Dark ruby red. Black fruit, dark cherries, and tobacco on the nose. Good balance that fully coats the palate with ripe dark fruit, black licorice, and baking spices. Long finish. Wonderful wine for price. — 10 days ago
Justin’s finest, this vintage is 70 percent Cab, 11 percent Cab Franc, 10 percent Merlot. Black cherry. Smooth from the Merlot and age. August 2025. — 24 days ago
This was awesome! Lovely darkish gold color. Aged apples to start then popcorn and subtle butter with more air. Very deep, thick wine. Well balanced and refined. — 14 days ago
Freddy R. Troya
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