2014 Tensley Syrah Santa Barbara County 750 ml

The Biggest Difference Between Tensley Syrah and Colgin Estate? About $250/bottle!

Over the course of the last decade, Joey Tensley has established himself as one of the greatest Syrah-makers this side of Hermitage. Since the release of the 2007 Colson Canyon Syrah, Tensley has garnered higher ratings from Parker and Wine Spectator than any American producer not named Colgin.

The biggest difference between Tensley Syrah and Colgin Estate? About $250/bottle!!

In 2009, we were just getting our sea legs. That spring, we got our first call from Joey Tensley.

Joey is a gregarious guy with an oh-shucks farm-boy demeanor that all but hides the disarming intelligence lurking behind the scenes. But with the country locked in the throes of the Great Recession, even the fun-loving Tensley needed a boost. His Santa Barbara Syrahs were making quite a stir among the critics, but Syrah sales were soft and Joey had made more wine than he should have. He took us on a drive up the coast so we could eyeball a 20-acre parcel planted on red volcanic soil, set on a rugged 120-acre perch high up in the Santa Maria foothills.

Then, the shrewd Mr. Tensley shifted into sales mode. Most young winemakers of Joey’s celebrity would have played their cards close to the vest, taking their time before deciding how much wine they were willing to part with. Not Joey. Tensley cut to the chase. “The country’s going to hell. How much can you guys MOVE??”

A couple weeks later, a 300-case purchase order arrived in Jennifer Tensley’s inbox, immediately solidifying what is now a six-year partnership.

For members who have been collecting Tensley Syrahs since our first offer in 2009, you understand not only the astounding concentration and high-toned vibrancy of these absolutely hedonistic reds, but you also know that Tensley — as much as any winemaker on the coast — crafts Syrahs that speak to the nuances of each growing season.

The 2007 was big, broad, and voluptuous. The 2010 was classically structured, refined, more Saint-Joseph than Santa Barbara. The 2011 is a keeper, a more restrained Syrah that is just now beginning to show its colors. 2012 was dark, juicy, and round.

And this 2014? We asked the inimitable Mr. Tensley. “2014 is a monster,” he told us, “the brawniest Syrah I’ve ever made.” Here’s why.

The 2014 growing season marked the third consecutive drought vintage in Santa Barbara. A mild winter led to an unusually early bud-break. In a region known for its unusually cool climate, 2014 was quite warm, compressing the time between veraison and harvest. While yields were fairly high, the hot, arid conditions made for thick-skinned Syrah berries with high skin-to-juice ratio. Tensley’s 2014s are all about the 3 B’s — BIG, BOLD, and BRAWNY.

The 2014 Tensley Santa Barbara is one of the more hedonistic young Syrahs we’ve ever tasted from this superstar winery. Deep, dark purple/black in color, infused with lavish aromas of black raspberry, blackberry, and dark cherry. Powerfully built and almost chewy in texture, packed with black- and red-fruit preserves, finishing with excellent tannic backbone and cut. Don’t be deceived by the modest price tag, this is a sensational release from one of America’s most critically acclaimed Syrah-makers, drawn from the third straight drought year on the coast.

$23 this morning. 480 bottles are up for grabs. Summer Cold-Pack Shipping included where needed.