Tongue Dancer Bacigalupi Vineyard Chardonnay Russian River Valley 2018

The Data

Country USA

Appellation Russian River Valley

Varietal Chardonnay

Retail Price $50

ABV 14.5%

Score 4.5 Stars/96 points

In the Glass

Appearance

Brilliant, medium golden color.

Aromatics

The aromatics are very intense offering scents of lychee and honeysuckle with supporting notes of white peach, apricot, and orange peel.

Flavor

The palate confirms the nose delivering a ripe orchard fruits-driven core with flavors of tropical fruit, lemon curd, citrus zest, ginger, and hints of pineapple. The finish is long and lingering with bright citrus notes.

Intensity & Texture

Full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a vibrant yet decadent texture.

Cool Factor

Tongue Dancer's third release of their Russian River Chardonnay is an absolute gem offering unbeatable depth and balance making it very, very cool.

Value Grade

Handmade Chardonnay from Russian River crafted in limited quantities (just five barrels) is never to be found in the bargain aisle but we find this wine to be irresistible.

Analysis

Tongue Dancer's fourth edition of their lovely Bacigalupi Vineyard Chardonnay is any shining example of how this wine shows a "house style" while always being a reflection of the vintage. It exudes California style derived from the Old Wente clone — a Chardonnay clone brought to California, from Burgundy in 1912 by C.H. Wente. The 2018 is vibrant while decadent. Like previous vintages, the 2018 Bacigalupi Chardonnay is completely barrel-fermented with native yeasts. The wine was then rested, sur lie, for a period of 16 months in French oak (20% new). This is a lovely Chardonnay, as we have been accustomed to expect, with great depth and a celebration of Russian River Valley fruit. This wine is made entirely at their Grapewagon Crush facility in Healdsburg.

How to Enjoy

Serve chilled but not too cold or you will suppress the the subtle nuances abundant in this wine. Pair it with roasted fowl or fatty grilled fish. Of course it really needs nothing but a glass.