2011 Colson Canyon Vineyard Syrah

The only wine to see some new oak, the 2011 Colson Canyon Syrah is knockout stuff in this vintage! Meaty and complex, with plenty of dark berry fruit, olive, underbrush, violets, licorice and earth, it is full-bodied, deeply concentrated and has a textured, layered feel on the palate. Easily the best Colson Canyon Syrah I’ve tasted from Joey, this knockout effort will have 10-12 years of longevity. Drink 2014-2023. One of the rising superstars in California, Joey Tensley continues to focus on single vineyard Syrahs and Rhone blends from Santa Barbara County. All of the wines are treated identically in the cellar and see just under a year in neutral oak (the Colson Canyon sees a small amount of new oak). They show their origin beautifully and have distinctive, unique personalities. In addition, they age beautifully and continue to be offered at fantastic prices. In short, don’t miss these wines. Tel. (805) 688-6761; www.tensleywines.com

Black cherries meld into plums and spices, followed by hints of leather, rose petals, mint and licorice. A rich, layered Syrah, the 2011 Colson Canyon Vineyard is one of the most voluptuous wines in this range. With time in the glass, the 2011 continues to blossom nicely, providing some clues as to where the future lies. A distinctly layered, fruit-driven Syrah, the 2011 is flat-out dazzling. Colson Canyon sits above the fog line, making it the warmest site Tensley works with.