(French for relaxation and good relations)

In Détente, Joey Tensley and winemaker Cécile Dusserre of Domaine de Montvac bring their unique styles and terroirs together to create a remarkable Rhône-style blend. Cécile has been highly praised for the elegant and focused wines she creates from France’s Gigondas, Vacqueyras and Cotes du Rhône regions. Joey has built his reputation crafting meaty, fruit-driven, vineyard-designated Syrahs from Santa Barbara County. In this blend new world meets old to show the best each has to offer.

The Story

Joey and Jennifer Tensley met Cécile Dusserre, while touring the Rhône Valley in the summer of 2008. Tom Byrnes of T. Edward Wines (New York), distributor for both Tensley and Domaine de Montvac, set up a lunch for the winemakers. The rapport between them and respect for one another’s wines was immediately apparent and voilà the idea for Détente was born.

The Wine

Détente is a remarkable Rhone-Style blend that brings together the unique styles and terroirs of winemakers Joey Tensley of Tensley Wines and Cecile Dusserre of Domaine de Montvac. Cecile has been highly praised for the elegant and focused wines she creates from France’s Gigondas, Vacqueyras and Cotes du Rhone regions. Joey has built his reputation crafting meaty, fruit-driven, vineyard-designated Syrahs from Santa Barbara County.

The 2009 Détente is made up of 50% Domaine de Montvac Grenache from 80 year old vines and 50% Tensley Colson Canyon Syrah. The Grenache brings in elements of minerality and earth along with bright notes of candied fuit and spice. The Colson Canyon introduces hints of violets on the nose as well as deep, rich notes of smoky meats, currant and blackberries. The tannins in this wine are smooth and well integrated. While the Detente is approachable now we feel it will age beautifully for up to ten years.

Price: $45.00 // Wine Club: $38.25 // Cases Produced: 145 // Aging: up to 10 years