Joe L.

9.3

Purple fruit like spiced plum, cocoa, lavender, graphite, juicy lingering finish — 2 months ago

Joe L.

9.2

Rhône with great acid and red fruit — 7 months 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. — a year ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Always express admiration for Joe Tensley wine and his entry level “Fundamental” isn’t an exception. This casual, mildly aromatic but super approachable Pinot Noir showcases a well-made, berry driven with medium tannins and a juicy finish. The mouthfeel is mildly spice and subtle earthiness. Never disappoints! — 4 months ago

Aubrey Sabala

9.5

I strongly dislike Rosé and I LOVE this wine! — a year ago

FabianG

9.0

#wineaccess — 2 years ago

Katie Fester

9.0

Great wine I had at dinner at Joey — 3 years ago

Jocholla

9.0

Beautiful white blind, very focused, pear, honey, oyster shell, green olive. Perfect balance of new world fruit and old world handling. — 5 months ago

Doug Powers

9.3

Chalky, mineral aromas and flavors up front, cooler blue fruits show next, this was probably always my favorite of the Syrah vineyards Joey used, as it usually was the lowest in ABV (13.6% here) and thus showed more freshness and acidity, drinking beautifully tonight!! — 7 months ago

Delectable Wine

Follow to learn about our favorite wines & people.

9.4

The 2020 Syrah Colson Canyon Vineyard is a dense, potent wine. The purity of the fruit is remarkable. Readers will have to be patient, as the 2020 is still incredibly primary. Inky red/purplish fruit, lavender, spice, menthol and rose petal open with a bit of coaxing. All this needs is time and a bit more polish. As always, the Colson Canyon Syrah is one of the most distinctive wines in Joey Tensley's range. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, August 2022)
— 3 years ago