One of the great values in California wine, in 1998 Joey Tensley launched Tensley Wines with a one hundred case production. He set out craft reasonably priced Syrah wines from great vineyards across Santa Barbara County. Joey has a background working for Santa Barbara wineries, first working as a “cellar rat” for Fess Parker Winery in Santa Barbara County. He later became assistant winemaker at Babcock Vineyards and in 1998 Joey moved on to become the assistant winemaker at Beckmen Vineyards where he first created his own label. Tensley Syrahs offer a wonderful combination of terroir and richness. They are not to be overlooked as a visit to their Los Olivos tasting room is a must stop for those who love California Syrah.
HIs new wines were simply awesome, as they come from a hot vintage in Santa Barbara County. Check out the outstanding 2015 Tensley ‘Colson Canyon Vineyard’ Syrah (WWB, 94) which displays gobs of dark fruits and wonderful tension. This beautiful wine will cellar well for a decade or more. Learn more about these outstanding wines at https://tensleywines.com Here are the outstanding new Syrah releases by Tensley.
2015 Tensley 'Santa Barbara County' Syrah- This dense wine is an awesome value from this estate. It begins with rich aromatics of smoke, blueberry compote and red cherry. This leads to rich flavors of sweet cherry compote, mocha, sage and crushed mint. Delicious now, this rich and layered bottling will cellar gracefully over the next decade. Drink 2018-2018- 93
2015 Tensley ‘Colson Canyon Vineyard’ Syrah- The nose here is absolutely intoxicating with bulls blood, milk chocolate shavings and blackberry pie. The palate is deep and plush as the wine reveals copious dark fruits with a touch of violet liquor. Velvety and seductive, with great acidity this is a stunning effort from superstar winemaker Joey Tensley. Drink 2018-2028- 94
2015 Tensley ‘Tensley Vineyard’ Syrah- The nose has distinct green peppercorn aromatics with black cherry and roasted dates. There are deep dark fruit flavors that connect with a touch of citrus. Balanced and showing a wonderful minerality, this will age gracefully for a decade or more. Drink 2018-2028- 93