The Data

Country   USA

Appellation   Russian River Valley

Varietal   Chardonnay

Retail Price   $65

ABV   13.1%

Score   5 Stars/97 points

In the Glass

Brilliant, light golden color.

The aromatics are intense, offering scents of Meyer lemon, pear, and mineral with supporting notes of quince paste, orange peel, custard, and spring flowers.

The palate confirms the nose delivering a ripe orchard fruits-driven core with flavors of ripe white peach, blanched almonds, meringue, and oak. The finish is long and lingering with tart tropical accents.

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

Cool Factor

Tongue Dancer Wines make Chardonnay cool — and that's a challenge! Each new release is spot-on delivering wines with personality and style.

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 five barrels produced.

Analysis

Christmas has come early as Tongue Dancer Wines (TDW) has released a new Chardonnay. The grapes are sourced from Pratt Vineyard — Vine Hill. Three great Chardonnay clones are grown here: Mt Eden, Robert Young, and FPS 70 (Dijon). The blend of these clones results in a wine with great complexity and depth. Further, this vintage gives a wine that is opulent while lean and vibrant with a brilliant integration of bright acidity. It's 100% barrel-fermented, aged in French oak for 16 months (33% new) sur lie (on the lees giving it great texture and depth). Finally, it’s bottled unfined and lightly filtered. We absolutely love this wine and we are very hopeful that this is not a one-off but rather a continuing part of their great portfolio.

How to Enjoy

Serve chilled but not too cold as this will mute the aromatics and flavors. Allow it to breathe for at least 30 minutes. This wine has a big future and if you have the patience to cellar this wine for five to 10 years you will be rewarded.