2017 Tensley Fundamental Cabernet Sauvignon Central Coast 750 ml

We gave simple, bottom-line advice on our initial release of Joey Tensley’s phenomenal 2017 Fundamental Cabernet Sauvignon from California’s Central Coast: Figure out how exactly how much you’ll need. Then order double. 

But Wine Access veteran Mark Matlock, a man who’s purchased over 150 wines over eight years, may have put it best: “Perhaps the best QPR ratio on any bottle of wine I have ever purchased. I challenge anyone to find a bottle of wine at $18 that can stand up to this one. It drinks like a $50 Napa Cab.” 

Fundamental has fast become one of the most remarkable California values: A rich, lush California Cabernet crafted by a 99-point winemaker, for under $20. We’ve heard it over and over from members (like Mark) who, once they took a sip—and stopped reeling from the quality-to-price ratio—called and emailed to let us know that they’d found their new every night pour. Trust us, this ruby-hued Cabernet, with its tons of black and blue fruit, oak spice, and sleek tannins, will go quickly. If you’re thinking a case will do, make it two.

Joey has been known for decades because Robert Parker has called his signature bottlings “high-end, super-duper wines,” but the whole point of Fundamental is getting a bona fide Joey Tensley wine for under $20.

After crafting outstanding wines in the high-quality, value-driven epicenters of Spain, Chile, and Argentina, Tensley was inspired by his travels abroad to start the Fundamental line, which highlights what’s earned him massive critical praise—blockbuster Central Coast wines—a price point that begs you to pop a bottle every night. 

“I put my name on my second label,” Joey told us, as we sipped black coffee and watched the sun come up over his home vineyard. “I’m proud of it, and I’m not going to hide under a generic label.”

There’s a lot in the 2017 to be proud of: In his two decades on the Central Coast, Tensley has made the kind of sourcing relationships that enable a savvy winemaker to produce outstanding Cabernet at this price. Sourced from 50% Paso Robles and 50% Santa Barbara fruit, the Fundamental Cabernet boasts profuse aromas of blackberries and blueberries with a kiss of oak spice and sleekly structured tannins. It’s a crowd-pleaser, through and through.

Heed the lesson of Fundamental: Don’t underestimate how delicious an under-$20 California wine can be—or how fast it can disappear.