Tongue Dancer Wines Pratt Vyd Irwin Lane Chardonnay Russian River Valley 2022

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Tongue Dancer Wines Pratt Vyd Irwin Lane Chardonnay Russian River Valley 2022

Product Story

The 2022 vintage represents the sixth release of Tongue Dancer Wines’ Pratt Vineyard/Irwin Lane Chardonnay or simply the “Flying Barrel” as it is affectionately known. We have been a huge fan of this wine from the start with the 2017 vintage and we have yet to award any version fewer than 95 points. This Chardonnay is made entirely with whole cluster pressed grapes straight to barrel and then fermented with Burgundy yeast in a 100% French Oak egg-shaped barrel (105-gallon) and rested on its lees for 11 months in French oak barrels (25% new). It is bottled unfired and lightly filtered because why disturb perfection? This vintage presents something different while also being firmly rooted in past vintages with its complex tropical notes. It’s amazingly lean while semi-opulent with incredible balance and length. This is certainly for lovers of White Burgundy — Chablis Premier Cru.

Brand Story

Tongue Dancer Wines is the creation of James and Kerry MacPhail. If you are a California Pinot Noir lover you likely know James' previous work with MacPhail Family Wines. James knows how to make amazing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay and James knows a lot of people who grow spectacular Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. We have been reviewing the wines from Tongue Dancer for the better part of a decade and we have never seen a Tongue Dancer Wine fail to earn Four-Stars or better. Tongue Dancer is constantly innovating, releasing new wines every year while never missing a beat. Last year they surprised us with the release of a great, dry cider! This is a winery to watch. The wines are always in short supply so be swift. Visit their website and join their mailing list to get direct access to their wines.

Tasting Note

Brilliant, green/gold color. The aromatics are intense, offering scents of lychee and meringue with supporting notes of honey, nectarine, mineral, sandalwood, and apricot stone. The palate echoes the nose delivering a ripe orchard fruits-driven core with flavors of white peach, pineapple, and lemon curd. The finish is long and lingering. Medium to full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a supple yet vibrant texture.