Freddy R. Troya

9.1

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. — 2 days ago

Maggie Harrison

9.1

floral, strawberry, lovely viscosity, long finish. — 3 months ago

Doug Powers

9.2

Sweet oak, black and blue fruits, and finally some spice and structure from the dollop of Petite Sirah, solid balance, needs more cellaring to soften the structure, very good Central Coast Syrah! — 5 months ago

with Jim

Chris Zitzman

9.4

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

Ron R

9.2

Rhône white blend on Cali steroids. Plush, rich and weighty. Nearly 10 years in, you can’t touch this in terms of quality and value. Oily, viscous and decadent with notes of roasted pineapples, white cherries and marzipan complementing very soft acidity and exaggerated sweetness. This is high-octane fuel. — 3 months ago

with Anne-marie

Jenks

9.2

That’s good. Glycerin, nice acid to complement, pineapple and lemons. Continue to be impressed with SB from this region. — 4 months ago

Brandon Chew

8.9

Straightforward west coast wine with the right amount of restraint and oak — 2 months ago

Jake Hajer

9.2

Dark complex blend. Lots of different varietals and muddled coffee, cherry, dark fruit flavors. — 2 months ago

Pinotman /// Andreas

9.4

One of the best american Rieslings out there. The Riesling was planted in 2007. Kick On Ranch is just a few miles West of Los Alamos (CA) , getting close to the ocean and Vandenberg Air Force Base. 120 cases. 13.5%. Plenty of acidity, 🍯 , botyris? , fresh cut garden hose. Quite herbal. Oregano. Tatomer’s top of the line offer. He learned the trade in Austria 🇦🇹, Wachau region. This 2019 is very very good. Not Mosel just different - and perhaps quintessential Californian. — 4 months ago

Boris Mathiszik

9.2

Tasting the ‘22 vintage. Ballard Canyon’s best. Beautiful Syrah. — 5 months ago