In 1998, Joey Tensley launched Tensley Wines, a winery in Santa Barbara County, where the mountain range runs from east to west. Eager to let the vineyard speak for itself, Joey produces vineyard designated Syrah wines that from day one, have been well received on the market. For his first vintage, Joey produced 100 cases, while serving as the assistant winemaker at Beckmen Vineyards, where he was given space to launch his own label. Three years later, in 2001, Joey relocated to Buellton, CA to open his own winery, producing 750 cases of wines that immediately appeared on some of the country's top wine lists. This same year, Matt Kramer added two of Tensley's 2001 Syrah wines to the Wine Spectator's Top Ten Wines in the World list. An auspicious beginning for a young vintner? Absolutely! But it was also an incredibly solid foundation that followed with framework in the form of 90-95 point scores from Robert Parker for Tensley's 2001-2004 vintages. Thirteen years later, Tensley currently produces 3,300 cases a year. Taking advantage of the many micro-climates that the Santa Barbara mountain range provides, Joey cultivates his Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in areas that are close to the ocean, while growing his Rhone varietals--Syrah, Grenache, and Viognier--further inland.
Winery Notes: Sourced from Paso Robles and Santa Barbara County, this Central Coast Cabernet Sauvignon offers the best of both appellations. Fresh acidity, floral nuance and
Winemaker Notes: Sourced from Paso Robles and Santa Barbara County, this Central Coast Cabernet Sauvignon offers the best of both appellations. Fresh acidity, floral nuance
Winemaker Notes This blend consists of Syrah, Grenache, Mourvdre, Petite Syrah and splash of Viognier. It is full of character and offers rich notes of blue
Winemaker Notes Showing a round buttery texture that only Chardonnay can achieve, but at same time beaming with pineapple and tropical notes. This wine will satisfy
California » Santa Barbara County
Jeb Dunnuck 94-96 "The 2020 Syrah Colson Canyon Vineyard also shows lots of richness, yet it never goes over the top, and the purity as well
California » Santa Barbara County
Winery Notes: Every year the vineyard percentages change, yet the style remains the same. In 2020 we introduced Laird Vineyard to the blend. By adding this
This complex blend marries Syrah, Mourvedre, Grenache, and Viognier in an intense yet delicate balance, offering intense notes of blackberry, currants, bacon, and espresso, At
California » Santa Barbara County
Jeb Dunnuck, 94-96 A more elegant, perfumed, floral wine from this site, the 2019 Syrah Colson Canyon offers Cte Rtie-like black raspberry, violets, spring flowers,
California » Santa Barbara County
Jeb Dunnock, 93 Tasted out of bottle, the 2019 Syrah Santa Barbara County is another terrific wine that could be 2-3 times the price. Elegant,
California » Santa Barbara County
Vinous 94-96 "The 2018 Syrah Colson Canyon Vineyard is a flat-out gorgeous beauty. Vibrant, nuanced and beautifully delineated, the 2018 is an absolute stunner. Inky blue/purplish
California » Santa Barbara County
Vinous 90-93 "The 2018 Syrah (Santa Barbara County) is shaping up to be fabulous. I am not sure I have ever tasted a Tensley Syrah with
Winemaker Notes: Sourced from Paso Robles and Santa Barbara County, this Central Coast Cabernet Sauvignon offers the best of both appellations. Fresh acidity, floral nuance and
Jeb Dunnock 91 "From Santa Barbara and Monterey Counties, the 2017 Chardonnay gives up plenty of citrus, white peach, brioche, and charcoal notes to go
Jeb Dunnock 92 "Tasted out of bottle, the 2017 Red checks in as a complex blend of Syrah, Petite Sirah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, and Viognier. It over-delivers,
California » Santa Barbara County
Jeb Dunnock 97 "The quality from this vineyard has skyrocketed since Tensley purchased the site and took over the farming, and that’s never been more apparent
California » Santa Barbara County
Wine Spectator 93 "Vibrant and layered, with expressive raspberry and blueberry flavors accented by garrigue notes, hints of mineral and smoked cracked pepper accents that take
Jeb Dunnuck 94-96 "From the other estate vineyard, the 2016 Colson Canyon Vineyard comes from a remote site high up in the mountains, north of Los
Wine Advocate 91 "The 2015 Syrah Los Padres is a smoking value that will dish out tons of pleasure. A blend of Syrah, Grenache, and Petite
Vinous Media 94-97 "Another highlight, the 2015 Syrah Colson Canyon Vineyard brings together so many of the elements that make Tensley's Syrahs so compelling. Intense in
Wine Advocate 94-97 "The largest-scaled Colson Canyon to date, the 2013 Syrah Colson Canyon is classic cassis, black raspberry, graphite and toasty notes to go with
Vinous Media 92 " Inky ruby. A complex, perfumed nose evokes fresh blackberry, cherry, spicecake and violet. Juicy, supple and sweet on the palate, offering
Wine Advocate 90 "Even better, the 2013 Syrah Central Coast knocks it out of the park with its juicy plum, violets and gamey/bacon-like aromas and flavors.
Antonio Galloni 95 "The 2013 Syrah Turner Vineyard is super-expressive from start to finish. Pungent floral and savory notes lead to seemingly endless layers of fruit.
Wine Advocate 94-96+ "I wasn’t able taste through a full lineup of Tensley’s 2012, but what I was able to taste was certainly impressive. Overflowing with
Wine Advocate 90 "A new entry level wine and a knockout effort that represents a serious value, the 2012 Syrah Los Padres (2% Viognier) was aged