Tensley, Noir Syrah

Tensley, Noir SyrahThe 2022 Syrah Noir is a blend of the five best barrels in the cellarthree from Colson Canyon and two from the Estate. Sumptuous and racy, the Noir possesses notable concentration and textural resonance. Blackberry jam, chocolate, licorice and espresso all meld together, deftly supported by 60% new oak. This is the sleekest wine in the Tensley portfolio. I find the oak imprint a bit strong.

This isn’t quite as structured as the Chevalier

with terrific balance

It is lifted and vertical in feel

Lots of toasty oak on the back end but this is in balance with the fruit that drives the palate

An attractively fresh nose is composed by notes of herbal tea

along with great length and elegance

grilled nut

The elegance of the nose is enhanced by the relatively refined texture of the medium weight flavors that are at once succulent but punchy

with remarkable precision and class

(86-89)/2014+

intense and driving middle weight flavors that display ample freshness as well as impressive precision and tension on the primary but balanced and solidly lingering finish

(89-92)/2012+