An awesome line of wines by the talented Aryn Morell, Tenor is a premium Washington wine brand created by Matthews. Started in 2007, Tenor focuses on 100% single varietal wines from various sites across Washington State. Wines are made in limited production, usually 150-200 cases. Over the years I have been impressed with the textural qualities of these wines that have impressed even during challenging vintages like 2015.
The new wines are from the 2016 and 2017 vintage and were beautiful across the board. I totally love the 2017 Tenor Sauvignon Blanc (WWB, 93) which is done is a ripe style and shows seriously good range with a great sense of mouthfeel. Just as good is the 2016 Tenor Syrah (WWB, 93) which has really great range and shows downright vibrant acidity. Learn more about these great new wines at tenorwines.com. Here are the beautiful new releases by Tenor.
2017 Tenor Sauvignon Blanc- The sensational 2017 Tenor Sauvignon Blanc was sourced from the Stillwater Creek Vineyard, which is a cooler site in the Columbia Valley. Aged in new Austrian oak, the wine opens with layers of toasty brioche with lemon zest and ripe peach aromatics that all take shape in the glass. The palate has wonderful freshness, length and weight with a silky texture that entices the senses. While obviously bright, the feeling of opulence is really impressive. The long finish provides the crescendo, as this glorious new Sauvignon Blanc will have a long life ahead of it, picking up earthy and nutty tones as it gracefully ages. This drinks considerably better in a Burgundy glass at a warmer temperature. Drink 2020-2029- 93
2017 Tenor Chardonnay- Sourced from the Stillwater Creek and Lawrence La Reyna Blanca Vineyards, the 2017 Tenor Chardonnay is a seriously good effort by superstar winemaker Aryn Morell. Layers of freshly baked buttered French bread and lemon curd aromatics combine with the nutty undertones that all take shape in the glass. The palate is silky and seamless, effortlessly gliding across the mid-palate. Vanilla creme brulee, bananas foster, mango and shades of baking spices all come together on the palate. The long finish completes this glorious new wine. Enjoy this sensational new effort at a warmer temperature for the full range of aromatics and flavors. Drink 2020-2030- 93
2016 Tenor Merlot- The 2016 Tenor Merlot was sourced from a host of vineyards, including Pepper Bridge, Dionysus, Hedges and Red Mountain, as this was aged for 21 months in largely new oak (91%) prior to bottling. Layers of tobacco leaf and blackberry compote meld with shades of black licorice and cigar box tones that all take shape in the glass. The palate is rich and lithe, wit a silky mouthfeel. Black tea, blackberry commute and shades of mocha all come together on the palate. Enjoy this beautiful effort over the next ten to fifteen years. Drink 2020-2033- 92
2016 Tenor Syrah- Sourced from the Scarline and Va Piano Vineyards, this Syrah was aged in 80% new French oak before bottling. Layers of loganberry preserves and violets combine with smoked brisket and shades of milk chocolate on this evocative nose. The palate is silky, delivering downright delicious black fruits that meld with tobacco leaf, cloves and Black Forest Cake flavors. Not only very fresh and vibrant, the weight of the wine really impresses. Enjoy this beautiful wine over the next ten plus years. Drink 2020-2030- 93
2017 Tenor Malbec- The 2017 Tenor Malbec is a gorgeous new effort by superstar winemaker Aryn Morell. The palate is dense and plush with layers of blackberry cobbler, tar and blueberry pie flavors that collide with minerals and white pepper tones. Complex and delicious, enjoy this great new wine over the next decade. Drink 2020-2030- 92
2016 Tenor Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2016 Tenor Cabernet Sauvignon was sourced from the Stillwater Creek, Dionysus and Canyons Estate Vineyards. On the nose this takes on layers of kirsch and sagebrush tones that are woven together with suggestions of cocoa powder and espresso bean that all mingle in the glass. The palate has great weight but is also elegance with a seamless texture. Layers of Dari fruits meld with chocolate and Turkish coffee tones, with lighter herbal accents. Drink 2020-2033- 93