The word is out on Joey Tensley, the single-vineyard Syrah specialist from Santa Barbara that Damien's company represents in Chicago. Wine Speculator just ranked Joey Tensley's Colson Canyon 2007 quite high (22) on its recently published Top 100 spank list. And to make matters worse, Robert Parker gave the wine 95 points in the August edition of The Wine Advocate. We still think the 2006 Colson is drinking WAY better right now, but lest you miss out entirely on the now highly sought-after 2007 Colson Canyon, Damien has graciously made a limited amount available to us now. Same price as the 2006. $39. Don't get me wrong, there's definitely an amazing Tensley Syrah lurking in the 2007 -- Joey thinks it's the best Syrah he's made --, but inferring from what a great place the 2006 is in now and having tasted the 2007 a few weeks ago, you ought to sit on it for at least a year if you really want to maximize its awesomeness.

Parker writes: "The brilliant 2007 Syrah Colson Canyon is Tensley's biggest production single vineyard Syrah. Like the other wines, it is aged in 80% neutral and 20% new French oak barrels, and is bottled with no fining or filtration. This blockbuster effort is as black as a moonless night. It offers up stunning notes of graphite, blackberry liqueur, creme de cassis, licorice, barbecue smoke, and a deep meaty character. The layered palate feel as well as the enormous richness and length result in one of the finest Syrahs being produced in California's Central Coast. It should evolve over the next 10-15 years." Wine Advocate # 184
Aug 2009 Robert Parker 95 Drink: 2009 - 2024 $34-$38 (38)