Tensley Syrah Colson Canyon Vineyard 2018

Colson Canyon sits high above the Los Alamos Valley, tucked into the rugged hills at about 1,400 feet. The 2018 vintage benefited from a long, cool growing season that allowed the fruit to hang until it reached peak physiological ripeness without losing that signature mountain freshness.

It’s massive and opulent, yet surprisingly light on its feet. You get waves of crème de cassis, espresso bean, and black olive tapenade. The tannins are ripe and velvety, framing an impressively lengthy finish.

This wine is a benchmark for California Syrah. It manages to capture that raw, savory “Northern Rhône” soul and wrap it in the sunshine and power of the Central Coast. It’s unapologetic, deeply concentrated, and shows a level of precision that Joey Tensley has spent decades refining.