Tongue Dancer Wines Putnam Vineyard Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 2015

The Data

Country USA

Appellation Sonoma Coast

Varietal Pinot Noir

Retail Price $65

ABV 14.7%

Score 4.5 Stars/95 points

In the Glass

Appearance

Brilliant, medium ruby color.

Aromatics

The aromatics are very intense offering scents of blackberry and red cherry with supporting notes of cranberry, earth, thyme, and baking spices.

Flavor

The palate confirms the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with accents of earth, oak, and spice. The finish is long and lingering with silky tannins.

Intensity & Texture

Medium to full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a silky texture.

Cool Factor

The second vintage of Tongue Dancer's tasty "Pinot de Ville" does not disappoint! This is quickly becoming one of America's coolest Pinot Noirs.

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

This wine is the second installment of Tongue Dancer Wines "Pinot de Ville" created with fruit from the Putnam Vineyard. This wine is very similar to last year's beautiful effort while being perhaps a small bit more vibrant with the same balance of dense fruit with oak, earth, and spice delivered with a wonderfully silky texture. It was 100% barrel fermented in French oak, 25% new, and then aged on its lees for a period of 17 months. The best way to get these wines is to visit their website and get on their registry. 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. 95 points.

How to Enjoy

This wine really needs nothing but a glass but the rich texture and bright acidity would love to pair with a grilled beef tenderloin or grilled leg of lamb.