Recent Wines – Tensley Syrah and Brewer Clifton Pinot Noir

[Steve Anderson]

Quick notes on a couple of Santa Barbara County Wines:

2000 Brewer Clifton Julia’s Vineyard Pinot Noir. Recent auction purchase. Wasn’t sure what to expect from a 12 year old SB pinot, but was pleasantly surprised. Bottle was obviously well cellared before it came in to my hands. Looked like a recent release - excellent fill and perfect cork. In the glass, extremely translucent light-to-medium ruby red. Nice raspberry/red fruit on the nose and the same on the palate with a nice texture and smooth, medium-long finish. No hint of the 15.3% ABV and a nicely balanced profile overall. Looking at Cellar Tracker, this was only produced by B-C from 1997-2000. From the Santa Maria Valley appellation.

2008 Tensley Colson Canyon Syrah. Purchased on release. The 2007 version is one of my favorite Santa Barbara Syrahs and would be on my Top 5 list of the same (if I ever made such a list). This is a large-scale, fruit forward hedonistic wine. I enjoy cooler climate, low alcohol Syrahs as well, but every now and then a wine like this one really hits the spot. Blackberry, black cherry, a touch of sweetness. Made for a cool, winter evening. Fared even better on nights two and three, so still some life ahead. Jump on the 07 if you can find it, but the 08 with some air is a nice Syrah in its own right.

Cheers,

Steve