2021 Joey Tensley Fundamental Cabernet Sauvignon Central Coast

The 2021 Joey Tensley Fundamental Cabernet Sauvignon from California’s Central Coast delivers serious Cabernet character at an everyday-friendly price. Crafted by acclaimed winemaker Joey Tensley, it’s a polished, fruit-driven red that overdelivers in depth, structure, and drinkability. This wine captures the sunshine and coastal influences of the Central Coast, offering a modern, approachable expression of California Cabernet with a strong sense of place.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, this Cabernet shows a deep ruby to purple hue with good concentration at the core and a vibrant rim. The nose is generous and inviting, with ripe blackcurrant, blackberry, and dark cherry layered over notes of cedar, mocha, baking spice, and a touch of dried herbs. On the palate, expect a medium to full-bodied wine with plush, ripe fruit at the center: blackcurrant, plum, and black cherry framed by fine, velvety tannins. Subtle notes of cocoa, vanilla, graphite, and sweet tobacco add complexity, while balanced acidity keeps everything fresh and food-friendly. The finish is smooth and persistent, with lingering dark fruit and a gentle spice. Enjoy it now for its generous, juicy profile, or cellar for 3–6 years to allow the tannins and oak to integrate further and the savory nuances to deepen.

Production
Fruit for the Fundamental Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from select vineyards across California’s Central Coast, where warm, sunny days ripen Cabernet fully and cool ocean-influenced nights help preserve acidity and freshness. The region’s diverse soils—ranging from sandy loam to calcareous clay—contribute both richness and structure to the final blend. Grapes are harvested at optimal ripeness, often picked in the cool of the night or early morning to protect aromatics and maintain purity of fruit. In the cellar, Joey Tensley employs a straightforward, quality-focused approach: careful sorting, temperature-controlled fermentation to capture vibrant fruit character, and aging in a combination of stainless steel and oak (including used barrels) to build texture and complexity without overwhelming the wine with heavy oak influence.

Food & Serving
This is a versatile Cabernet that shines at the dinner table. Pair it with grilled or roasted meats—think ribeye steak, burgers, lamb chops, or barbecued short ribs—as well as hearty pasta dishes with meat ragu, mushroom risotto, or aged hard cheeses like cheddar or Gouda. It also works nicely with barbecue fare and richly sauced comfort foods. Serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F) for best expression. While decanting is not strictly necessary, giving the wine 20–30 minutes in a carafe or in the glass will help open up the aromatics and soften the tannins for an even more seamless drinking experience.

Producer
Joey Tensley is a highly respected California winemaker, best known for his work in Santa Barbara County and the Central Coast, where he has built a reputation for crafting characterful, terroir-driven wines that remain remarkably accessible in price. After working with several top estates, he founded Tensley Wines in 1998 with a focus on Rhône varieties and a philosophy of minimal intervention and site expression. The Fundamental line was created to offer everyday-drinking wines that still reflect his exacting standards and the quality of the Central Coast’s vineyards. Over the years, Tensley’s wines have earned strong praise from leading critics and helped solidify the Central Coast’s standing as one of California’s most exciting and dynamic wine regions.

We deliver within 2 - 6 business days. You can choose whether it should be to a parcel shop or home delivery. Free delivery to both parcel shops and your front door. Our store partners primarily use GLS, DPD, UPS and DHL for deliveries. We cover deliveries to the majority of countries in Europe.