(most recent reviews…)
Vintage | Name | Tasting Notes | Score | Author | Maturity | Review Date |
2014 | BMT | The 2014 BMT is suave, supple and very nicely layered. Once again, the Grenache really helps balance some of the aggressiveness of the Syrah, especially in this vintage, which already brings considerable inherent richness and intensity. BMT is 50% Syrah from Rodney's, 25% Syrah from Colson Canyon and 25% Grenache, also from Colson Canyon. BMT is bottled only in magnum. | 93-95 | Antonio Galloni | 2018-2026 | Aug 2015 |
2014 | Noir | Radiant, sexy and absolutely impeccable, the 2014 Noir hits all the right notes. Here the new oak (2/3rds new) is already integrated nicely for such a young wine, which allows the aromatics and fruit to really shine. Sage, rosemary and licorice are some of the notes that wrap around the racy, radiant fruit, while beams of salinity add a dollop of freshness on the finish. The 2014 Noir is shaping up to be a jewel of a wine. | 93-95 | Antonio Galloni | 2018-2026 | Aug 2015 |
2014 | Syrah OGT | The 2014 Syrah OGT is superb. Intense, powerful and explosive, the 2014 also has fabulous balance, with more than enough fruit and mid-palate density to stand up to the tannins. Here the superiority of 2014 vis-a-vis 2013 is pretty clear. Varietal black pepper, sage and violet notes wrap around the inky blue/blackish-hued fruit. The blend is 50% Colson Canyon, 25% Thompson and 25% Tierra Alta. The Syrah OGT is bottled only in magnum. | 93-95 | Antonio Galloni | 2018-2026 | Aug 2015 |
2014 | Syrah Tensley Vineyard | The 2014 Syrah Tensley Vineyard is a huge step up from the 2013. Another big, rich wine, the 2014 hits the palate with a rush of dark fruit, tobacco, cedar and savory herbs, all backed up by serious tannins. This is another wine that packs a real punch. | 92-94 | Antonio Galloni | 2018-2026 | Aug 2015 |
2014 | Syrah Thompson Vineyard | A deep, inky wine, the 2014 Syrah Thomson Vineyard boasts tons of intensity and pure power. Savory and peppery varietal notes abound in a huge Syrah that is likely to require a considerable amount of patience. The effects of dehydration brought on by the third year in the current drought cycle are evident. | 92-94 | Antonio Galloni | 2018-2026 | Aug 2015 |
2014 | Syrah Turner Vineyard | The 2014 Syrah Turner Vineyard is one of the more refined wines in the range at this stage, although it has plenty of energy and pure size. Red fleshed fruit, floral notes and silky tannins convey an impression of polish that is front and center. | 92-94 | Antonio Galloni | 2018-2026 | Aug 2015 |
2014 | Syrah Colson Canyon Vineyard | The 2014 Syrah Colson Canyon Vineyard is a big, bombastic wine. Tensley usually gets 30 tons of fruit off Colson Canyon. In 2014 he got just 13. Because of the tiny yields, the Colson Canyon saw more new oak than is the norm. The 2014 is a wine of significant potential, if it finds more balance during aging. | 91-93+ | Antonio Galloni | 2018-2026 | Aug 2015 |
2014 | Los Padres | Joey Tensley's 2014 Los Padres is a blend of Paso Robles Petite Sirah and Santa Barbara Syrah and Grenache. Plum, dark cherry, spice and licorice meld together in a juicy, crowd pleasing red that is sure to deliver tons of pleasure over the next few years. | 88 | Antonio Galloni | 2015-2019 | Aug 2015 |
2013 | Syrah Turner Vineyard | The 2013 Syrah Turner Vineyard is super-expressive from start to finish. Pungent floral and savory notes lead to seemingly endless layers of fruit. Pliant and expressive, the 2013 boasts incredible finesse for such a big wine. The inclusion of 25% whole clusters adds to the wines considerable aromatic presence and nuance. Within the lineup, the Turner is not one of the more obvious wines, but it is one of the most complete and harmonious. | 95 | Antonio Galloni | 2016-2025 | Aug 2015 |
2013 | Syrah Colson Canyon Vineyard | The 2013 Syrah Colson Canyon Vineyard is dark, rich and voluptuous, with a personality that emphasizes textural depth and richness. Pomegranate, exotic spices, mint and new leather are all super-expressive, while floral and savory varietal notes play less of a role. That is typical of Colson Canyon, the warmest site Tensley works with. For what its worth, this is one of my personal favorites in the range. | 94 | Antonio Galloni | 2016-2025 | Aug 2015 |