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2018 Tensley Sta Rita Hills Syrah

Not Currently In Auction

Latest Sale Price

July 27, 2025 - $27

Estimate

RATINGS

95Jeb Dunnuck

...big, blue fruit-driven core as well as lots of violets, peppery herbs, and hints of bloody meat and salty minerality. Rich, full-bodied, and beautifully textured...

94Wine Enthusiast

Crumpled purple flowers give a floral kick to the nose...which is also full of dark blackberry at its core and pinches of pepper on the edges. Herbal tones of crushed thyme, peppercorn and bay leaf arise on the sip, giving nuance to the dark-berry core, with popping acidity driving into the finish.

92Vinous / IWC

A burst of inky dark fruit, lavender, licorice and chocolate... Soft and generous, with no hard edges at all...

PRODUCER

Tensley

Tensley Wines was founded in 1998 in Santa Barbara County. Owned and run by Joey and Jennifer Tensley, the estate was established to focus on vineyard-designated Syrah. Today it is known for its many Syrahs, though Tensley also now makes Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Grenache.

REGION

United States, California, Central Coast, Santa Barbara County, Santa Rita Hills

Santa Rita Hills AVA in northern Santa Barbara County was granted appellation status in 2001. Located between the towns of Lompoc and Buellton, it has a total area of 30,720 acres with 2,700 vineyard acres. The area is considered a cool climate for vineyards, so vineyards are most often planted with the cool-weather grapes Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The hills in the western part of this appellation are directly exposed to the Pacific Ocean, meaning that maritime winds and fog make the western edge of the Santa Rita Hills AVA particularly cool. The Sanford & Benedict Vineyard planted in 1971 was the first vineyard in the district and is still considered one of the best.

TYPE

Red Wine, Syrah (Shiraz)

This grape is grown in milder climates and produces a medium-to full-bodied wine. It is also known as Shiraz, but should not be confused with Petit Sirah, which was developed by crossing Syrah with Peloursin.

VINTAGE

2018 Tensley Sta Rita Hills Syrah