Brand: Tensley
Country: USA
Region: California
Vintage: 2023
Rating: 96
Tensley was established in 1998 in the scenic town of Los Olivos in the heart of Santa Barbara County wine country. The family-owned and operated winery produces five single-vineyard Syrahs. The rugged Colson Canyon vineyard is the prized possession, delivering dark, extracted wines. This intense and structured Syrah has a touch of French oak.
JD94-96: The 2023 Syrah Colson Canyon Vineyard comes from great vineyard (which is owned and farmed by Tensley) located in the hills above Los Olivos. Darker red and blue fruits, dried flowers, sandalwood, and peppery, spicy notes all shine here, and it’s medium to full-bodied, with a balanced mouthfeel, fine tannins, and outstanding length. This cuvée always benefits from bottle age, and I don’t expect the 2023 to be any different.
VM94-96: The 2023 Syrah Colson Canyon Vineyard once again shows how unique this site is. Black cherry, plum, licorice, crushed rocks, graphite, cured meats, iron and chalk are some of the many notes that grace this complex, wonderfully dynamic Syrah. There's so much going on here.