I also think that the color version stands over the b/w one...
...The diagonal position and the likewise reflection of that wooden thing somehow requires to be framed in a wider format as their geometry creates a sense of expansion towards left, and that wider frame is provided by the color version. In the b/w one, the eyes are blocked to explore towards left, and it's not pleasing.
...In the b/w version, many layers of textures with quite similar tonalities are merged into each other and given the fact that the subject matter also has similar tones, the meshwork of textures cease to be supportive elements to the subject matter, and they tend to become the main attraction camouflaging the subject matter. On the other hand, one can pick out every fine texture layer in the colored version, and given the fact that the subject matter has distinctively different colors than the rest of the image, those beautiful textures provide fine support to the subject matter.
...Easily discriminating the fine textures from each other in the colored version is very pleasing for being more informative about this particular scene from nature.

My, didn't I talk too much..?!
Who the hell am I to critique with such "expertly" attitudes..?!! :-P

But, dear Michelle, you know these are all IMHO, and I think these "why"s and "why not"s challenged me..! :-)