The Data

Country   USA

Appellation   Sonoma Coast

Varietal   Pinot Noir

Retail Price   $65

ABV   14.5%

Score   4.5 Stars/95 points

In the Glass

Brilliant, deep ruby red with hints of purple.

The nose is filled with the scents of ripe red and black berries with supporting notes of earth, mineral, dried herbs, forest floor, nutmeg, and hints of leather that emerge after extended aeration.

The palate echoes the nose delivering a lush but very vibrant fruit-driven core with generous accents of earth, spice, and oak finish that lingers on for minutes.

Medium to full-bodied with ideal proportions and balance thanks to a bright dose of fresh acidity. The wine's texture is equal to the pleasing flavors as it feels weighty without ever being heavy.

Cool Factor

What's not cool about the a delicious, tiny production Pinot with personality. (Well, there is one not cool thing — the impenetrable wax closure.)

Value Grade

Have you heard that Pinot Noir is expensive? Sure you have. This very stylish wine won't make anyone's bargain list but it's exceptional and extraordinarily limited so if you blink you'll miss your chance to get a few bottles.

Analysis

Tongue Dancer Wines is the latest project from James and Kerry MacPhail. If you are a California Pinot Noir lover you likely know James' previous work with MacPhail Family Wines. In over two decades of work MacPhail built a well-deserved reputation as a Pinot Noir guru. Tongue Dancer Wines makes nothing but Pinot (at the moment anyway) in very small quantities. The best way to get these wines is to visit their web site and get on their registry. 95 points out of 100.

How to Enjoy

This wine really needs nothing but a glass but the rich texture and bright acidity would love to have a grilled beef tenderloin to join the party.