The Data

Country   USA

Appellation   Sonoma Coast

Varietal   Pinot Noir

Retail Price   $49

ABV   14.3%

Score   4.5 Stars/95 points

In the Glass

Brilliant, deep ruby color.

The aromatics are very intense offering scents of red cherry and black tea with supporting notes of five spice and red currant.

The palate confirms the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of ripe black cherry, raspberry, clay, slate, and vanilla. The finish is long and lingering with lush, ripe tannins.

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

Cool Factor

Vintage after vintage Tongue Dancer never fails to impress as their Pinots are ultra balanced and full of flavor and personality making it very cool.

Value Grade

Have you heard that Pinot Noir is expensive? Sure you have. The Tongue Dancer Pinots are an annual favorite being stylish and complex, as well as being ultra rare (just 150 cases made).

Analysis

BevX readers know that we are huge fans of Tongue Dancer's wines. This is the fourth Tongue Dancer Sonoma Coast Pinot that we have reviewed and it is a consistent favorite. Their Sonoma Coast Pinot is a blend of multiple vineyards, in the 2018 vintage it’s a 50/50 blend from the Pratt Vineyard and the Putnam Vineyard. You can absolutely see how the sum of the various parts have conspired to create a complex wine that is juicy while tart, silky while vibrant with acidity, complex, and certainly charming. The fruit was all hand-picked. It was fermented in small, open-top fermenters and aged in French oak (36% new) for a period of 16 months. This wine is highly recommended and in very short supply so get yours fast.

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, grilled leg of lamb, or perfectly cured Roman charcuterie. Be sure to decant this wine to release all of its aromatics and flavors.