USA WINE WEST® Tensley Syrah 2022 (Santa Barbara County, California) – [JD 92-94] [WA 93] – 6043418886303

Notes from the Winemaker:
Once again, this blend brings together all of the fascinating microclimates Santa Barbara County has to offer. It’s based in Tensley’s backbone vineyards: Thompson, Colson Canyon, and Tensley, and also features Syrah from Cottonwood Canyon and Estelle Vineyards. Some of these vineyards are cool and fog-influenced, while others are dry and windy. The resulting wine celebrates all that each microclimate has to offer. The blend is elegant with complex notes of red plums, blackberries, exotic spices, and peppered meats. This wine shows silky tannins and beautiful balance, and, to quote wine critic Jeb Dunnuck, is a “smoking value.” Drink this wine now or age it for 8 to 10 years.

Cases Produced: 1850

92-94 Points – Jeb Dunnuck:
“A year-in, year-out smoking wine, the 2022 Syrah Santa Barbara County reveals a deep ruby hue as well as a ripe, decadent, full-bodied style in its pure black and blue fruits, peppery herbs, and violet-driven aromas and flavors. Textured and beautifully balanced, with a great finish, it’s going to shine right out of the gate.” – Jeb Dunnuck (8/30/2023)

93 Points – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate:
“The 2022 Syrah Santa Barbara County is scented of cassis, blueberries, warm chocolate, forest floor, lavender and iron. The full-bodied palate features powerful, floral fruit supported by soft, approachable tannins and bursts of mouthwatering acidity, and it has a long, fragrant finish. It’s dangerously easy to drink without sacrificing nuance or complexity. 3,000 cases were produced.”