Freddy R. Troya

9.0

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! — a month ago

Marco Rodriguez

9.0

Nice Pinot with a little spice. Raspberries, tea, with nice acidity and long finish. Drank 2021 — 2 years ago

FabianG

9.0

#wineaccess — 3 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

Helen Keplinger makes Kerr. Helen in my mind,!is the best female winemaker since Cathy Corison.

Silver Eagle is one of my Pinot Vineyards in Napa/Sonoma.

Ripe, lush; coral & somewhat candied blackberries, dark cherries, black raspberries, plum, strawberries & blueberry heaven. Dark spice w/ , grilled meats, great dark, red & blue coral, balance for days. — 10 days ago

Jason Muniz

8.9

Fundamental notes — 9 months ago

Aubrey Sabala

9.5

I strongly dislike Rosé and I LOVE this wine! — 2 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.4

Some of you may know this producer. Others might be thinking could this be Steve Kerr’s - Warriors Coach and former NBA player on those great Chicago Bulls teams own label. No, it is not. It is former women’s LPGA player, Christy Kerr.

If you are not familiar with them, Christy and her Winemaker, Helen Keplinger make some outstanding wines. Helen’s resume consists of working with some of the best names in winemaking…Heidi Barrett, Kathy Joseph, Michel Rolland, and David Abreu. Since 2004, her resume also includes; Cellers Melis (Priorat), Kenzo Estate, Fort Ross, Sarocka, Scullly, Arrow & Branch, and Bryant Family Vineyards. She also makes her own wine under Keplinger Wines.

Additionally, Helen’s own label, her Keplinger 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon RDK was recently given a 💯 by Vinous Media.

This a blend of 70% Cabernet, 32% Cab Franc & the rest Petit Verdot. Aged in 70% new oak & 30% used oak for 18 months. 94-95.

Nose of; blackberries, black raspberries, dark cherries, strawberries & raspberries, blue & purple fruit hues. Some smoky notes, soft baking spices, well toasted bread, baking soda, elegant minerality & earth with bright, dark, red, blue flowers set in violets.

The palate shows, blackberries, black raspberries, dark cherries, strawberries, creamy raspberries, fine tannins that show a little meatiness & tarriness, dark spice with some heat as it lingers, baking spices-touch of nutmeg/clove, cinnamon, vanillin, finely, crushed, limestone & rocks, dry top soil, dry tobacco, slightly used leather, dark, rich earth, dry top soil, dry herbaceous notes, black licorice, mid berry cola,fresh & withering dark, red, blue in a field of violets, excellent acidity well balanced, softly tensioned, good length and wire to wire well polished finish.

Photos of; sitting area in the tasting room, Winemaker- Helen Keplinger, tasting room bookcase and bar. — 2 years ago

Anil Saxena

8.9

Very jammy and rich. Loved the spicy finish. — 3 months ago

Ted

9.3

My favorite of the last 3 vintages. I always look forward to trying this wine. Blood orange and black licorice. Looks like the Yanks are in trouble. — 7 months ago

with Jeni

Doug Powers

9.4

Less richness and ripeness than the Thompson, this shows a bit of green tobacco aromas, northern Rhône-like, Turner was, I believe, the coolest climate of the Syrah vineyards Joey has used (and was always my favorite Tensley Syrah), should effortlessly age 7-10 more years, long, lingering finish, terrific!! — 2 years ago

with Jim