Tenor Wines

Tasted 10/15/11

The Tenor wines are made by Aryn Morel, a San Diego Native from Scripps Ranch. Aryn moved to Napa at the age of 20 and worked for a filtration company which specializes in filters for wineries.  Here he decided to get into the wines business. Being a biochemist, it was easy to catch on to the trade as a winemaker. Aryn moved to Washington State and became the winemaker for Matthews cellars.  In 2007 he started making Tenor wines at Matthews Cellars.

Tenor Sauvignon Blanc 2010

Whole clustered, fermented in 100% French oak, then in concrete vats and back in French Barrels. Deep yellow color. Aromas of Cinnamon, baking spices and pineapples. A full-bodied Sauvignon Blanc. The alcohol is noticeable, but not hot. Flavors of guava and tropical fruits linger in a long finish. definitely not a New Zealand style.

Retails $49

Tenor Cabernet Sauvignon Columia Valley ’08

Red Mountain fruit fermented in 100% New French oak. Aromas of plums, cassis, candied violets. Flavors of cocoa, licorice with silky texture. A lot going on, but not too over complex. Secondary flavors of dusty earth are intertwined with rounded and well-integrated tannins. Lean in the finish with minerals.

Retail $65

Tenor Merlot Columbia Valley ’08

Fruit is from Red Mountain’s Hedges Vineyard. Very aromatic, black fruits and smoke. Shows hints of herbs mixed with cassis and boysenberry flavors. Still a bit young and tight, however very nice.

Retail $49

Tenor Syrah Columbia valley ’08

Fruit is from one of the highest vineyards in Washington State, Lawrence Vineyard at 1600ft and fermented in 100% new French oak.  Deep black purple color. Aromas of Violets, berries and charcoal.  Silky texture and flavors of toast, chocolate, espresso and blackberries. Great acidity.

Retails $49

Tenor 1:1 Columbia Valley ’07

Bordeaux blend from Red Mountain.  Only one blend is made per year. 45% Cabernet, 45% Merlot 10% Malbec.  aromas of black fruits, cassis, tobacco and red berries. Soft and juicy in the mouth.  Dry, firm tannins yet easy and approachable like a cafe latte. Long finish with good acidity.

$69

Tenor 1:1 Columbia Valley ’08

Fruit is from Red Mountain. Ripe fruit aromas, cassis, licorice and raisins. More up front than the ’07, richer and riper fruits. Dusty tannins, minerals and more minerals in the finish. Very approachable.

Retails $79