A top Oregon winery, Tendril was founded by superstar winemaker, Tony Rynders, who has a longstanding history in wine. Rynders attended the University of California at Davis and obtained a Master’s degree in Enology and Viticulture in 1992. He then worked harvests in Napa (Acacia Winery), northern Italy (Friuli), South Australia (Petaluma Winery), and Tuscany (Col d’Orcia). Tony has held some pretty prestigious winemaking positions, previously working at Argyle Winery (two years) as assistant winemaker, at Hogue Cellars (3 years) as red winemaker, and at Domaine Serene Winery/Rockblock Cellars (10 years) as head winemaker. As Domaine Serene head winemaker, Rynders obtained more 90+ point scores from the Wine Spectator magazine than any other winemaker during this period of time. Needless to say, Rynders has a pretty incredible resume.
His winery, Tendril was launched a few years back. His new releases were simply gorgeous. His 2014 Tendril Chardonnay (WWB, 93) was rich, elegant and showed a dazzling minerality. Up there with the best White Pinot Noir that I have ever reviewed, the 2014 Tendril ‘Pretender’ White Pinot Noir (WWB, 94). This silky wine has an insane amount of aromatic and flavor range, with the structure and weight to cellar for more than a decade. Rynders also has an offshoot winery called Child’s Play which was hugely impressive as well. His 2016 Child’s Play Rose (WWB, 91) was insanely good and had wonderful richness and texture. Learn more about Tendril and Child’s Play at http://www.tendrilwines.com
2014 Tendril Chardonnay-This golden colored wine opens with a bouquet of honey, cantaloupe, nectarine and Pazzaz apple pie. There are flavors of white peach, Granny Smith apple, wild mushroom, honeydew melon and a long, 45 second plush vanilla cream finish. Burgundian, elegant and restrained, this will cellar marvelously for a decade or more. Drink 2017-2028- 93
2014 Tendril 'Pretender' White Pinot Noir- Superstar winemaker, Tony Rynders, had the idea for making this wine more than a decade ago. This rendition opens with a bouquet of orange blossom, white flowers, flan, and suggestions of New York apple. The mid-palate has marvelous viscosity and texture. Very serious, poised and downright voluptuous, the wine yields rich flavors of creme brulee, French vanilla, honeydew melon and hints of mulberry compote. This wine is both unctuous and silky smooth, leading to the long, vanilla cream laced finish. I can't help think what incredible agability this gorgeous wine has. Drink 2017-2030- 94
2014 Tendril 'Mount Richmond Vineyard' Pinot Noir- Set on sedimentary soils, the Mt. Jefferson Vineyard is managed and dry farmed by the careful hands of Travis Watson. On the nose the wine begins with aromas of Chinese black tea, black pepper, wild blackberry preserves and black cherry cough syrup. There are dense flavors of black cherry, black olive, boysenberry liquor, peat moss, black truffle sauce, baking spices and crushed mint. Rich and layered, this is another gorgeous wine made by superstar winemaker Tony Rynders. Drink 2017-2030- 94
2014 Tendril 'Extrovert' Pinot Noir- Possessing a deep core, this forward style Pinot Noir wine begins with aromatics reminiscent of black cherry, black plum, spicebox and leather suggestions with wild blackberry. With serious mid-palate weight, this wine is jam packed of dark and red fruits, showing a strong mineral core alongside light tannins. Brawny and downright delicious, drink this gorgeous Pinot Noir in the next decade. Drink 2017-2027- 93
2016 Child’s Play Rose- The 2016 Child's Play Rosé was sourced primarily from the Yamhill-Carlton AVA and is an outstanding release from superstar winemaker Tony Rynders. Made from Pinot Noir grapes, this delicious wine opens with a ripe bouquet of watermelon, guava juice, lemon blossom and hints of red cherry starburst. There are delicate and fruity flavors of rose water, watermelon, red cherry, red raspberry and ripe strawberry. Fresh and delicious, this is forward and red fruit-driven, while maintaining nice minerality. Drink 2017-2021- 91
2014 Child’s Play Pinot Noir- This delicious Pinot Noir shows a wonderful aromatic range with red currant, black raspberry black truffles and wet stone at play. The flavors of red cherry, red raspberry, cola, strawberry preserves and wild mushroom offer wonderful ripeness while the elegant backbone holds firm. There is a beautiful, seamless quality to this Pinot. This is serious wine for being Child's Play. Drink 2017-2026- 91