Tensley Fundamental Central Coast 2017 | Over-delivers! Ripe with Character
Tensley Fundamental Central Coast 2017 displays Purple and inky in color with a fruit-forward nose of crushed blackberry and black cherry fruit. While accentuated by complex notes of cracked black pepper, spice box, and hints of potpourri and violets. Yet, firm across the palate, with fine tannins and a meaty, smoky finish. Drink now-2024.
Red Wine Gems Under $35
92JD | Tasted out of the bottle, Tensley Fundamental Central Coast 2017 Red checks in as a complex blend of Syrah, Petite Sirah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, and Viognier. It over-delivers, boasting a deep ruby/purple color as well as notes of blackberries, ground herbs, spice box, and earth. While ripe, pure, full-bodied, and just loaded with character, drink it over the coming 2-4 years
Côtes-du-Rhone lookalike | Pair with a Gourmet Burger
No, we didn’t get our math wrong: that’s a flat $17 bucks for a gorgeously ripe Côtes-du-Rhone lookalike from Joey Tensley, one of the top five producers of Rhône-style reds in the country!
Robert Parker’s longtime Rhône expert Jeb Dunnuck lavishes praise on Tensley year after year. Joey Tensley could probably command twice as much as he does for what Wine Advocate calls his “high-end, super-duper wines”—his pricier, perfection-chasing Tensley Wines bottlings—so his starting the modestly priced Fundamental line was a massive gift to fans of California reds. Wine Advocate has recognized as much, recently offering him “kudos” for aiming to deliver “high quality at such a modest price point.”
Accolades for Joey Tensley
For members who have been collecting Tensley reds over the last nine vintages, you’re well-acquainted with the astounding concentration and high-toned vibrancy of these absolutely hedonistic reds. But you also know that Tensley — as much as any winemaker on the coast — crafts wines that speak to the nuances of each growing season.
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We loved his 2010s for their classical structure, showing more like Saint-Joseph than Santa Barbara. While the 2011s are keepers and more restrained. The 2012s were dark, juicy, and round. The 2013s, like ‘12, were dark, juicy, yet delineated and well structured. As a result, Joey called his 2014s among “the brawniest reds” he’s made. And the 2016s? Think voluptuous body, incredible freshness, and immediate accessibility. While making this “Fundamental” blend the perfect go-to bottle any weeknight.
Three Vintages | Tensley Fundamental Central Coast 2017 has arrived!
Now three vintages in, it’s safe to say he’s accomplished that goal. We have the ecstatic members to prove it. If you’re one of them, we’re happy to report that your new vintage of Joey Tensley’s Fundamental has arrived. If you haven’t tasted it yet, we’ve got some for you, too. Don’t delay.
