Joey Tensley 'Fundamental' Cabernet Sauvignon 2020

A rich, sumptuous Cabernet with a lovely currant and black cherry aroma. Just the sort of thing we love to have with a roast for a family Sunday lunch.

Press Reviews:

90pts - Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com (June 2022): "The 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon is fabulous. Readers looking for an affordable Cabernet will flip out over the quality and value here. Ripe dark cherry fruit, plum, spice, mocha and liquorice are dialled up in this succulent, tasty Cabernet from Joey Tensley.

Joey Tensley's Fundamental wines offer superb value, which is increasingly hard to find today. The wines are done in a forward, juicy style best suited to near-term drinking. Drink 2022 - 2026"

93pts - Erin Brooks, Wine Advocate (December 2022): "The 2020 Fundamental Cabernet Sauvignon has a medium to deep ruby colour and scents of baked cherries, thyme, milk chocolate and potpourri. The palate is full-bodied yet light on its feet, with lots of refreshing acidity, an alluring, supple texture and a long, perfumed finish. Enjoy this easy-drinking Cabernet over the next year or two.Drink 2022 - 2024" - 

90pts - Jeb Dunnuck, JebDunnuck.com (August 2022): "Lastly, the 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon sports a deep purple hue with lots of ripe blue fruits, tobacco and cedar notes, medium to full body, ripe tannins, and an excellent finish. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a better Cabernet Sauvignon from California for the price.

These Fundamental Wines are made by Joey Tensley and focus on value. Based on this tasting, I’d say he succeeds admirably."

Joey Tensley discovered wine at the age of 12 during a soccer trip to Bordeaux. He started making wine in 1993 at the age of 22 and set up his own Tensley brand in 1998, spending the next 20 years finessing his craft with vintages in Chile, Argentina, Spain and the Rhône Valley. Joey had already discovered a particular passion for Syrah and had started his own production in Santa Barbara with the mindset to create great quality and affordable wines from Rhône varieties. He has since extended his range, producing exciting top-quality Syrah from single vineyards with excellent cellaring potential under the Tensley label, as well as brilliant and affordable Rhône blends, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon for drinking now under his Fundamental label.

Joey’s approach is simple: he works with great fruit from the best growers in the Central Coast and is as ‘hands-off’ as possible in the winery with minimum use of oak and sulphur. In 2016 he was able to purchase 16 acres of his only estate vineyard, Colson Canyon, which lies above the all-important fog line, from which he had already been buying grapes to make his flagship cuvée since 2000.

Known as the King of Syrah, Joey Tensley has become renowned for his expertise with this variety, gaining a long list of accolades and high scores from critics such as Robert Parker. Today, he is widely recognised as one of the foremost winemakers in California. His wines reflect his thoughtful, laid-back approach and demonstrate a mineral purity that is quite exceptional for this region, especially at these price points.