Freddy R. Troya

9.2

Tensley – Syrah – 2023
Colson Canyon Vineyard – Santa Barbara County – USA 🇺🇸

Overview
100% Syrah from the high-elevation Colson Canyon Vineyard, a benchmark site that consistently delivers powerful yet balanced fruit. This vintage shows tension between ripeness, structure, and freshness.

Aromas & Flavors
Black cherry, blackberry, cracked pepper, violet, licorice, and a subtle smoky undertone. Dark, spicy, and focused.

Mouthfeel
Medium-plus body with sleek acidity and fine, integrated tannins. Concentrated but not heavy, with a long, peppery finish that lingers.

Food Pairings
Grilled lamb, beef skewers, duck confit, pepper-crusted steak, or roasted mushrooms.

Verdict
A balanced, expressive Syrah with depth, spice, and length – a great example of why Santa Barbara continues to challenge the top Rhône-style regions.

Did You Know?
Colson Canyon sits at nearly 1,500 ft elevation, producing small berries with thick skins, a key reason these Syrahs show intense color, aromatics, and age-worthy structure. — 18 days ago

Joe Flo

9.4

Wine Spectator #1 wine dinner. Definitely a crowd pleaser. — 2 months ago

Bryn and Tanya

9.8

We got vanilla and peach on the nose, with a struck-match edge that added a savory note. It felt delicate for a Chardonnay but very enjoyable. The balance was spot on. — 4 months ago

Doggfather

9.4

A home run at the price. — 11 days ago

Ivan Peci

9.1

Regalo de David acosta — a month ago

Roman Ochocki

8.9

Very good. A blackberry, plum and trinity: an oak, a vanilla and tobacco. — 3 months ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.0

Blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Verdot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc. Dark and inky ruby/purple color. Aromas of ripe red and black fruit, purple flowers, baking spices and a light touch of vanilla. Juicy flavors of dark cherry, black berry/currant and raspberry fruit with additional notes of chocolate, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cedar. A bit of black pepper spice on the long finish. Medium body and acidity with very smooth tannins. Well balanced and versatile. Solid quality for the price. — 4 months ago

Raul Puga

9.4

Very smooth good fruit with notes of pepper. Really enjoyed it — a month ago

Conrad Green

9.3

Dark peppery fruit. Lush with black cherry. Good balance. Delicious — 2 months ago

with Peter, Gregg and 1 other

Mike Obley

8.9

Seemed a bit tainted — 3 months ago