Beverage of the Week (BOW)
Tongue Dancer Wines Pratt Vyd Irwin Lane Chardonnay Russian River Valley 2021
Product Story
The 2021 vintage represents the fifth 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. This expression typically features complex tropical fruits with equally complex citrus notes and the most perfect balance of natural acidity that you will find in a California Chardonnay. As we have said before — great winemaking consists of farming, artistry of the winemaker, and mother nature — not necessarily in that order. This Chardonnay is made entirely with whole cluster pressed grapes straight to barrel and then fermented in a 100% French Oak egg-shaped barrel and rested on its lees for 10 months in French oak barrels (25% new). It is drinking great now but this wine has a very promising future — as it does vintage after vintage. However, the 2021 vintage is potentially the longest lived of the collection thus far.
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 golden color. The aromatics are wonderfully intense, offering scents of lychee, citrus zest, and bees wax with supporting notes of kumquat, mineral, candied ginger, and hints of basil. The palate confirms the nose delivering a ripe orchard and tropical fruits-driven core with flavors of quince paste, semi-tart pineapple, red grapefruit, and zesty lemon curd. The finish is tart with abundant citrus accents. Medium to full-bodied and ideally balanced with a vibrant texture.
How to Serve
Serve chilled but not too cold or you will suppress the subtle nuances abundant in this wine. Pair it with a wide range of foods from fish to fowl and especially with subtle to medium heat curries.
Price: $ 45
BevX Review: http://bevx.com/wine-detail/?id=4279
