Tongue Dancer Wines Chardonnay Russian River Valley 2023

The Data

Country USA

Appellation Russian River Valley

Varietal Chardonnay

Retail Price $55

ABV 14.4%

Score 5 Stars/97 points

In the Glass

Appearance

Brilliant, medium golden color.

Aromatics

The aromatics are intense, offering scents of brioche, spring flowers, and lemon curd with supporting notes of apricot stone, lychee, meringue, and citrus zest.

Flavor

The palate echoes the nose delivering a ripe orchard fruits-driven core with flavors of white peach, custard, passion fruit, and quince. The finish is long and lingering.

Intensity & Texture

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

Cool Factor

Not many winemakers can make Chardonnay cool — it's ubiquitous — but Tongue Dancer delivers wines with personality, and this classic, late-arrival is spectacular.

Value Grade

B+

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. It's made in limited quantities so get it while it lasts.

Analysis

Tongue Dancer Wines Chardonnay Russian River Valley 2023 is a wine that we have been dying to tell you about. We first tasted it back in August (2025). Typically, this wine would have been released in the fall, but it's a little different. It’s restrained yet opulent with layer after layer to discover in the glass. It’s very Burgundian. It's a blend from three vineyards: Bacigalupi (13.5%), Pratt Irwin Lane (47%), and Pratt Vine Hill (39%). From these great and familiar sources, several Chardonnay clones are present, including Old Wente, Mt. Eden, and Robert Young. This fourth release of their RRV Chardonnay is barrel-fermented with a judicious oak accent that never tramples on the delicious, nuanced fruit. It was bottled late in December 2024 and held in a bottle at the winery until now, March 2026. It’s stellar.

How to Enjoy

Serve chilled but not too cold or you will suppress the subtle nuances abundant in this wine. Pair it with grilled tuna or duck confit.