Beverage of the Week (BOW)

Tongue Dancer Wines The Sly One Chardonnay Dry Creek Valley 2021

Product Story

Tongue Dancer Wines (TDW) “Sly One” just got really sly. For multiple vintage this expression was purely Pinot Noir and now we see that Chardonnay can be sly as well. Keeping with its namesake, The Sly One Chardonnay is TDW’s first Chardonnay from Dry Creek Valley, near Healdsburg. The vineyard is planted with the Montrachet clone — a name very familiar to white Burgundy lovers. This wine from this source was thought to be a one-off but my sources (my sources on these things are quite good) tell me that a Chardonnay made from this vineyard will become a regular in the TDW lineup. It’s all concrete fermented in a round, concrete vat and then aged on its lees for 11 months. The resulting Chardonnay is mind-blowing and while it tastes like TDW — it’s also very unique. It’s in very short supply so get yours fast (released on Mother’s Day).

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, medium gold/green color. The aromatics are intense, offering scents of slate, green apple, and honeysuckle with supporting notes of green tea, green melon, lychee, chamomile, and hints of tarragon. The palate echoes the nose delivering a ripe orchard fruits-driven core with flavors of white peach, apricot stone, star fruit, and pineapple. The finish is long and lingering with bright citrus and anise notes. Medium to full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a vibrant texture.

How to Serve

Of course this wine needs nothing but a glass but it is food friendly with its great depth and natural acidity that it begs for grilled shrimp or sautéed scallops.

Price: $ 59

BevX Review: http://bevx.com/wine-detail/?id=4278