Santa Clara Valley, Central Coast
Au Bon Climat
Santa Barbara County Chardonnay 2023
Smooth, light oak up front, crisp finish — 6 days ago
Montes
Montes Alpha M Santa Cruz Apalta Single Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2018
Muy buen caldo. — 20 days ago
Alban Vineyards
Reva Alban Estate Vineyard Syrah 2020
Alban has been killing it for nearly four decades.
Hahn Winery
SLH Santa Lucia Highlands Estate Grown Pinot Noir 2021
I think Hahn's "special" productions deserve some love.
Tatomer
Meeresboden Vineyard Grüner Veltliner
Honey on the front end. almonds on the finish — 3 days ago
Piedrasassi
PS Santa Barbara County Syrah
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 $. — 23 days ago
with Beth
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