Very jammy and rich. Loved the spicy finish. — 5 months ago
Nice Pinot with a little spice. Raspberries, tea, with nice acidity and long finish. Drank 2021 — 2 years ago
@ art basel w alexia, Joey & wife for a sushi tasting event @ omakai - love this sake always 🤩 — 5 years ago
Joey Tensley – “Fundamental” White Blend – 2023, Central Coast AVA – California – USA 🇺🇸
Overview
A Rhône-inspired white blend from the Central Coast that reflects Joey Tensley’s signature style—approachable, expressive, and rooted in Southern Rhône varieties. While exact composition isn’t always disclosed, the profile strongly suggests a mix led by grapes such as Roussanne, Clairette, and possibly Grenache Blanc or Viognier. Crafted for immediate enjoyment, this wine overdelivers with balance, texture, and a polished finish at an accessible price point.
Aromas & Flavors
Ripe pear, golden apple, and stone fruit lead the way, layered with hints of honeysuckle, soft citrus, and a touch of almond. Subtle herbal and waxy nuances add complexity without overwhelming the fruit core.
Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied with a smooth, slightly rounded texture balanced by fresh acidity. Clean and composed, with a gentle weight that carries through a refined, satisfying finish.
Food Pairings
Roasted chicken, grilled shrimp, Mediterranean dishes, light pasta, or soft cheeses. Also shines as a standalone sipper for casual settings.
Verdict
A beautifully executed everyday white blend that balances simplicity and quality with precision. Easy to enjoy yet thoughtfully made, delivering consistency, charm, and value.
Did You Know?
Joey Tensley built his reputation on Rhône varietals, particularly Syrah, but his white blends quietly follow the same philosophy, minimal fuss, varietal honesty, and drinkability first.
🍷 Personal Pick
A go-to daily white that hits the sweet spot between casual and quality. One of those bottles you open “just because”… and suddenly it’s gone. Cheers! — 2 months ago
Deep Ruby red color with aromas of ripe black berry fruits floral, cedar and earthy spicy herbs. On the palate flavors of blackberry, raspberry and cherry fruit with black pepper, herb, cacao and earthy oak notes. Fine tannins, well balanced, good acidity, medium+ finish, ending with fruit, spice, toasty oak and earthy mineral character. Nice! — 7 months ago
Somewhat closed aromatics even after 2 hours aeration, but rich, ripe, explosive redfruits and dark fruits, some tannins remain, long finish, very fine Syrah!! — 3 years ago
Great wine I had at dinner at Joey — 4 years ago
This is more northern Rhone-like, tobacco, smoky undertones, drinking beautifully tonight, lovely balance, long, lingering finish. — 4 months ago
Deep Ruby red color with aromas of ripe red/black berry fruits floral and earthy spicy herbs. On the palate flavors of blackberry and cherry fruit with black pepper, herb, cacao and earthy notes. Fine chalky tannins, well balanced, good acidity, medium+ finish, almost, ending with fruit, spice and earthy mineral character. Nice! — 7 months ago
Fundamental notes — 10 months ago
Hazy deep yellow gold (unfiltered? skin contact?). Caramelized balsa and menthol peaches in the abundant nose. Confirmed on the medium full palate which adds layers of dried quince, baking spices, pickled watermelon rind, and a host of other subtle flavors. Medium acidity from entry; bitter almond on the lengthy, non-stop finish. More complex than you might be expecting, this is a white for hearty fare. Drink now through 2027. — a year ago
The 2021 Red Wine All Blocks, Tensley's Grenache-based wine, is a knock-out. Bright red-toned fruit, blood orange, spice, menthol and cinnamon are all dialed up. This succulent, juicy 2021 delivers the goods. Dollops of Syrah from Colson Canyon and Mourvèdre from the estate vineyard round out the blend. The 2021 is supremely delicious. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, September 2023)
— 3 years ago
Nice daytime white in hot weather — 6 years ago
Joseph Barsky
2020 vintage. 4 years after Delectable review, still quite primary but dropping sediment. Enjoyable but not 97 points. — a month ago