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. — a month ago
This vintage showed so well the other night. Went so well with Greek food. — 5 days ago
Dark ruby in color with a wide reddish rim.
Very fruity on the nose and full bodied with medium minus acidity.
Dry to off dry on the palate with nice complexity.
Showing black currants, blackberries, cooked plums, oak, vanilla, dried fruits, licorice, chocolates, tobacco, herbs, spices, light herbs and peppercorn.
Short finish with soft tannins and tangy raspberries.
This 8 year old Pinot Noir from Santa Barbara County is still drinking very nicely, but will not get better from this point.
Complex and easy drinking. Fruit forward with a touch of RS. Rich and extracted with a mouth coating feel.
A nice sipping wine.
14.6% alcohol by volume.
91 points.
$50. — a month ago
Solid - little more acidic than I’m used to! — a day ago
Ruby color with aromas of red fruit, herb spice and earthy notes. On the palate flavors of raspberry and cherry with dried herb notes, vanilla and toasty oak. Fine tannins, long finish ending with fresh fruit, spice and earthy tones. — a month ago
Honey on the front end. almonds on the finish — a month ago
Chris MacLean
Another good bottle of this $25 favorite — 9 days ago