The Data

Country   USA

Appellation   Russian River Valley

Varietal   Chardonnay

Retail Price   $42

ABV   13.5%

Score   4.5 Stars/96 points

In the Glass

Brilliant, golden color.

The aromatics are intense, offering scents of lemon curd, lychee, and lime with supporting notes of meringue, orange peel, bees wax, and hints of apricot stone.

The palate confirms the nose delivering a tropical fruits-driven core with flavors of white peach, pineapple, quince, and slate. The finish lingers with crisp citrus accents.

Medium to full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a vibrant yet expansive texture.

Cool Factor

Not many winemakers can make Chardonnay cool — it's ubiqutous — but Tongue Dancer delivers wines with personality.

Value Grade

Handmade Chardonnay from Russian River crafted in limited quantities is never to be found in the bargain aisle but we find this wine to be irresistible. Just 117 cases produced.

Analysis

This wine represents Tongue Dancer Wines sixth Chardonnay and the fourth from Pratt Vineyard Irwin Lane in the Russian River Valley AVA. Every vintage of this wine offers a unique expression while having a strong familial bond. This (2020) vintage showcases a lovely mélange of ripe orchard fruits with tropical fruit — a hallmark of this wine year after year. Great winemaking consists of farming, artistry of the winemaker, and mother nature — not necessarily in that order. The Chardonnay from this vineyard is all certified organic and the fruit was hand-picked. This Chardonnay is made entirely with whole cluster pressed grapes straight to barrel and then 100% barrel fermented and rested on its lees for 10 months in French oak barrels (25% new). It is drinking great now but the but this wine has a promising future as well and five years in the cellar should reveal additional nuances.

How to Enjoy

Serve chilled but not too cold or you will suppress the subtle nuances abundant in this wine. Pair it with roasted chicken and grilled vegetables.