Tensley
Colson Canyon Vineyard Syrah
Santa Barbara County, Central Coast, California, USA
Last time I had a Tensley Colson Syrah was about two years ago and it was the 2016. As a youngster, it was a purple fruit, bombastic, hedonistic monster. Tasting this 2012 with some age to it, I’m somewhat shocked it could channel the profile I experienced…as in, when it shed the baby fat, there is a distinct and rich mid palate here without going flabby.
Some bricking is taking place here as the wine pours a dark red with some fading around the rim. Aromatics of grilled dark plum, black currant, black tea and herbs with sweet cherry jerky. The palate is dense and rich with very little acidity, and an integrated finish with not much tannin. Balsamic drizzled black cherries dominate the palate here along with chewing tobacco leaves and muddled red and black fruits. Followed over two days and it stayed consistent. This isn’t getting any better, so drink up.
Last time I had a Tensley Colson Syrah was about two years ago and it was the 2016. As a youngster, it was a purple fruit, bombastic, hedonistic monster. Tasting this 2012 with some age to it, I’m somewhat shocked it could channel the profile I experienced…as in, when it shed the baby fat, there is a distinct and rich mid palate here without going flabby.
Some bricking is taking place here as the wine pours a dark red with some fading around the rim. Aromatics of grilled dark plum, black currant, black tea and herbs with sweet cherry jerky. The palate is dense and rich with very little acidity, and an integrated finish with not much tannin. Balsamic drizzled black cherries dominate the palate here along with chewing tobacco leaves and muddled red and black fruits. Followed over two days and it stayed consistent. This isn’t getting any better, so drink up.
Herbal, nice fruit. Not as savory as I would have expected.
Herbal, nice fruit. Not as savory as I would have expected.
May 2nd, 2020
dark, rich & heady nose ~ massive ripe fruit
dark, rich & heady nose ~ massive ripe fruit
Aug 3rd, 2015
This will be a short note on a big wine. This wine is a combo of my tasting notes on the ‘08, ‘09, ‘10, and ‘11. Bold, 75% CDP and 25% Pinot Noir. Not really a typical Syrah in my mind. Medium plus depth and finish. Nice change from my go to styles.
This will be a short note on a big wine. This wine is a combo of my tasting notes on the ‘08, ‘09, ‘10, and ‘11. Bold, 75% CDP and 25% Pinot Noir. Not really a typical Syrah in my mind. Medium plus depth and finish. Nice change from my go to styles.
Mar 5th, 2022
This has to be the sweetest Tensley Syrah that I have had. But with 7 years in the bottle it has a rich and deeply integrated quality. Brilliant nose on this.
This has to be the sweetest Tensley Syrah that I have had. But with 7 years in the bottle it has a rich and deeply integrated quality. Brilliant nose on this.
Jun 8th, 2019
Decadent. Delicious. Lavish. Want more.
Decadent. Delicious. Lavish. Want more.
Jan 29th, 2019
Great fruit and chocolate, but not at all restrained...a bit too much power. I'd pay 25 bucks and feel good about it for this one...but 50? No way.
Great fruit and chocolate, but not at all restrained...a bit too much power. I'd pay 25 bucks and feel good about it for this one...but 50? No way.
Oct 1st, 2016Loving late vintage Tensley Syrah
Loving late vintage Tensley Syrah
Sep 16th, 2016
On the edge of being over ripe but wonderful with sweet BBQ.
On the edge of being over ripe but wonderful with sweet BBQ.
Jul 15th, 2016