Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
This site always shows a darker, meatier style, and the 2016 Syrah Tensley Vineyard is no exception. Currants, spiced meats, licorice and smoke all give way to a rich, stacked, full-bodied Syrah that fills the mouth with fruit, yet stays balanced and lively. This is a big wine (probably the richest in the lineup), but everything is in place, it has good acidity and ripe tannin structure. It’s going to age beautifully.
Range: 94-96 -
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2016 Syrah Tensley Vineyard, from vines planted behind Tensley's house, reveals complex aromas of dried lavender, herbs, charcoal and cassis, making it one of the least fruit-driven wines in the portfolio. On the palate, it's full-bodied, fine-grained and richly tannic, with plenty of extract that shows on the chewy finish but is underpinned by juicy acids too. This was one of my favorites in the range.
Rating: 93+ -
Wine Spectator
Dark and brooding, but well-structured, with concentrated blueberry, crushed stone and savory spice flavors that take on momentum toward big but balanced tannins. Best from 2019 through 2027.
Marked by an unmistakable deep purple hue and savory aromatics, Syrah makes an intense, powerful and often age-worthy red. Native to the Northern Rhône, Syrah achieves its maximum potential in the steep village of Hermitage and plays an important component in the Red Rhône Blends of the south, adding color and structure to Grenache and Mourvèdre. Syrah is the most widely planted grape of Australia and is important in California and Washington. Sommelier Secret—Such a synergy these three create together, the Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre trio often takes on the shorthand term, “GSM.”
With a dry and mild climate cooled significantly by moist ocean fog and breezes, Santa Barbara County is a grape-grower’s dream. Part of the larger Central Coast appellation, Santa Barbara is home to Santa Maria Valley and Santa Ynez Valley. The conditions here provide an opportunity for nearly effortless production of high-quality cool-climate Central Coast wines. This is also the site of the 2004 film Sideways, which caused Pinot Noir’s popularity to skyrocket and brought new acclaim to the region.
Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are the stars of Santa Barbara, producing wines marked by racy acidity. Crisp Sauvignon Blanc and savory Syrah are also important. The region is home to many young and enthusiastic winemakers eager to experiment with less common varieties including Chenin Blanc, Grüner Veltliner, Trousseau Gris, Gamay and Cabernet Franc, making it an exciting area to watch.