Tenshen
Santa Barbara County White Blend
Santa Barbara County, Central Coast, California, USA
Lush flavors of apricot, melon, and creme brûlée. Complex, crisp, and creamy. Blend of Viognier, Rousanne, Grenache Blanc, and Chardonnay. Masterfully done, and just reinforces my belief that Grenache Blanc can do amazing things - but as a blending grape. Still fairly easy to find despite the WS Top 100 rating.
Lush flavors of apricot, melon, and creme brûlée. Complex, crisp, and creamy. Blend of Viognier, Rousanne, Grenache Blanc, and Chardonnay. Masterfully done, and just reinforces my belief that Grenache Blanc can do amazing things - but as a blending grape. Still fairly easy to find despite the WS Top 100 rating.
2 people found it helpfulJan 8th, 2018
Medium lemon; medium intensity aromas of melon, ripe pineapple, custard, caramelized sugar, pineapple upside down cake, vanilla; developing; dry, medium acid, high alcohol, medium plus body, pronounced intensity flavors of melon, pineapple upside down cake, vanilla
Medium lemon; medium intensity aromas of melon, ripe pineapple, custard, caramelized sugar, pineapple upside down cake, vanilla; developing; dry, medium acid, high alcohol, medium plus body, pronounced intensity flavors of melon, pineapple upside down cake, vanilla
1 person found it helpfulApr 13th, 2018
I'm still surprised that Joey Tensley hasn't received more criticism, mostly avoiding the label of "controversial winemaker," while Dave Phinney seems to take more than his fair share. Tensley's wines stress the boundaries for normally accepted levels of extraction, alcohol, and, for that matter, flavor, and this is no exception. A blend of Viognier, Roussanne, Grenache Blanc, and Chardonnay, but it masquerades as a Gewürztraminer. Apparently overripe, fat Viognier can come off as fruit cocktail syrup. Well this is the best fruit cocktail syrup I've ever had. Peach, pear, melon, and apricot splash the palate wearing a coat of chalk that's been coated in honey. The weight of wine is like a newspaper laying atop a honey bee; eventually it will get out, but the weight is significant. Not for everyone, but those that it's for will really enjoy.
I'm still surprised that Joey Tensley hasn't received more criticism, mostly avoiding the label of "controversial winemaker," while Dave Phinney seems to take more than his fair share. Tensley's wines stress the boundaries for normally accepted levels of extraction, alcohol, and, for that matter, flavor, and this is no exception. A blend of Viognier, Roussanne, Grenache Blanc, and Chardonnay, but it masquerades as a Gewürztraminer. Apparently overripe, fat Viognier can come off as fruit cocktail syrup. Well this is the best fruit cocktail syrup I've ever had. Peach, pear, melon, and apricot splash the palate wearing a coat of chalk that's been coated in honey. The weight of wine is like a newspaper laying atop a honey bee; eventually it will get out, but the weight is significant. Not for everyone, but those that it's for will really enjoy.
1 person found it helpfulMar 21st, 2017
rich n creamy w apricot, peach & cantaloupe, honeyed iced tea, orange blossom
rich n creamy w apricot, peach & cantaloupe, honeyed iced tea, orange blossom
1 person found it helpfulJun 29th, 2016Serious weight for a white wine. Tropical fruit, pronounced richness.
Serious weight for a white wine. Tropical fruit, pronounced richness.
Dec 15th, 2016Interesting blend. Would be good with spicy food or on a hot day. (Wilcom's )
Interesting blend. Would be good with spicy food or on a hot day. (Wilcom's )
Apr 12th, 2017
Great texture and weight. Balanced with good melon notes.
Great texture and weight. Balanced with good melon notes.
Jan 23rd, 2017
Solid white. If you drink enough of it, your tension will go away.
Solid white. If you drink enough of it, your tension will go away.
Jan 21st, 2017Big, unctuous white. Well integrated with the high alcohol.
Big, unctuous white. Well integrated with the high alcohol.
Dec 28th, 2016
One incredibly different wine. A delicious blend which I fell in love with. Big acidity and flavors
One incredibly different wine. A delicious blend which I fell in love with. Big acidity and flavors
Jun 16th, 2016