BevX readers know that Tongue Dancer is one of our favorite California wineries.
Tongue Dancer Wines is the latest project from James and Kerry MacPhail. If you are a California Pinot Noir lover you likely know James’ previous work with MacPhail Family Wines. In over two decades of work MacPhail built a well-deserved reputation as a Pinot Noir guru. Tongue Dancer Wines are Pinot Noir specialists including this delicious and unique Pinot Noir Rosé and a delicious Chardonnay that has now blossomed to a second version of Chardonnay and a world-class sparkling wine. In short order Tongue Dancer Wines has become one of our most anticipated arrivals. We can’t wait to see what they do next. WOW!
Our very first Tongue Dancer Wines to be awarded our Beverage of the Week was the Tongue Dancer Wines Pinot de Ville, Putnam Vineyard Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 2014. We recently resisted this wine and four years after our initial review and it was absolutely stunning! It has matured beautifully with no sign of a decline. If you are lucky enough to have saved a bottle of this fantastic wine pull the cork this holiday season.
Tongue Dancer Wines Rosé of Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 2019
See the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant, medium strawberry color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of raspberry and pomegranate with supporting notes of rose petals, hibiscus flower, and kumquat. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red fruit-driven core with flavors of red cherry, rhubarb, and mineral. The finish is long and lingering with tart red fruits and citrus rising on the finish. Medium to full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a vibrant texture. $22 4.5 Stars/96 points
Tongue Dancer Wines Pratt Vyd Irwin Lane Chardonnay Russian River Valley 2018
See the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant, medium golden color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of “leesy” freshly baked bread, baked apple, and lychee with supporting notes of honey, white peach, and citrus zest. The palate confirms the nose delivering a ripe orchard fruits-driven core with flavors of baked fruits, lemon curd, and wet stones. The finish is long and lingering with subtle oak accents. Medium to full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a opulent yet sprite texture. $42 4.5 Stars/96 points
Tongue Dancer Wines Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 2018
See the Full BevX Featured Review 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. $49 4.5 Stars/95 points
Tongue Dancer Wines The Sly One Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 2017
Brilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of red cherry and raspberry with supporting notes of pomegranate, boysenberry, sour cherry, and black currant. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of black cherry, five spice, earth, and oak. The finish is long and lingering with soft tannins. Medium to full-bodied and nicely balanced with a meaty texture. $59 4 Stars/93 points
Tongue Dancer Pinot de Ville – Putnam Vineyard Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 2018
See the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of red cherry and fresh herbs with supporting notes of violet, boysenberry, clove, and sour cherry. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of black cherry, five spice, pomegranate, and raspberry. The finish is long and lingering with ripe tannins. Medium to full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a supple and juicy texture. $66 4.5 Stars/96 points
Tongue Dancer Bacigalupi Vineyard Chardonnay Russian River Valley 2018
See the Full BevX Featured Review Brilliant, medium golden color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of lychee and honeysuckle with supporting notes of white peach, apricot, and orange peel. 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. Full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a vibrant yet decadent texture. $50 4.5 Stars/96 points
Tongue Dancer The Sly One Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 2018
Brilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of black cherry, five spice, and black pepper with supporting notes of black tea, red sour cherry, and blackberry. The palate echoes the nose delivering a black and red fruits-driven core with flavors of black fruits, clove, leather, mineral, and oak. The finish is long and lingering with supple tannins. Medium to full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a meaty texture. $59 4.5 Stars/95 points
Tongue Dancer Brut Rosé Anderson Valley 2015
Brilliant, medium pink color with a medium bead of bubbles. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of raspberry and spring flowers with supporting notes of violet, ripe red fruits, and pomegranate. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red fruit-driven core with flavors of strawberry, raspberry, and cranberry. The finish is long and lingering. Medium-bodied and perfectly balanced with a vibrant yet juicy texture. $69 4 Stars/93 points