Tensley Syrah Colson Canyon Vineyard 2020 | ‘Elegant – 2 decades of longevity’ 94-96pts Jeb Dunnuck
Tensley Syrah Colson Canyon Vineyard 2020 presents viscous, with a glass-staining, purple-black color. The jammy and smoky aromas of blackberry, wild plum, charcuterie, freshly cracked pepper, and dried violets are reminiscent of Hermitage. Bold and full-bodied, the palate is densely concentrated, with velvety tannins and a meaty texture.
In addition, ripe black fruits, smoked meat, and spice notes build to a super-long, spice-driven finish. Drinking great now, it shows plenty of stuffing to continue evolving over the coming decade. Drink now–2032.
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95-97 Vinous | This 2020 is one of his best Colson Canyon bottlings yet. Antonio Galloni called it a “showstopper,” awarding it an early 95–97-point score—if it lands at the top of that range, it’ll equal the highest rating Vinous has ever given this Tensley flagship.
Colson Canyon Vineyard | Santa Ynez Mountains
It was love at first sight for Winemaker Joey Tensley when he originally spied the rugged Colson Canyon Vineyard back in 1997. In addition, perched high up at an elevation of 1,400 feet. While the combination of warm days and cool nights produces dense, fruit-forward wines with opulent jamminess.
So, Tensley released his first vineyard-designate Syrah from Colson Canyon in 2001. While and his wife Jennifer purchased the property about five years ago, ensuring that he would always be able to tap his most distinctive site.
It covers 115 acres but has only 16 acres of grapes, and because the elevation and rugged terrain make so much of the site untamable, Tensley believes that only three more acres have the potential to be planted.
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Colson Canyon Vineyard, high up in the Santa Ynez Mountains north of Los Olivos, has been providing exceptional Syrah to Joey Tensley since 2000. Most of all, this fruit has helped Tensley become the most honored Syrah maestro on the coast. Notably, one vintage flirting with Robert Parker perfection at 99 points.
Winemakers Joey and Jennifer Tensley
So, Joey and his talented winemaker wife Jennifer Tensley cobbled their resources together and launched a label that has upended the wine world. In 1998 Joey Tensley launched Tensley Wines with one hundred cases and one single goal. Hence, to start a well-priced, Syrah-driven brand that lets the unique vineyards of Santa Barbara County speak for themselves. The Tensley Syrah Colson Canyon Vineyard 2018 delivers just that.
