Beverage of the Week (BOW)
Tongue Dancer Putnam Vineyard Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 2021
Product Story
The 2021 vintage marks the seventh vintage of The Tongue Dancer Putnam Vineyard Pinot Noir — but it’s a bit more complicated than that. Loyal BevX readers and fans of Tongue Dancer wines know the Putnam Vineyard Pinot to be synonymous with their “Pinot de Ville” designation as it was from 2014 to 2019. An act of nature made the Putnam fruit unavailable for 2020 so other capable sources filled the void. A clever decision was then made to continue with “Pinot de Ville” from rotating sources and then have a dedicated label for the great Putnam Vineyard — located in the Sonoma Coast town of Annapolis just six miles from the Pacific coast. So it’s the seventh and a first and as expected, it’s amazing. The grapes are hand-picked and gently destemmed, not crushed. The five-day, pre-fermentation cold soak undoubtedly contributes to the dark, inky color and intense aromatics. This Pinot rests for 18 months exclusively in French oak barrels (17% new) prior to bottling.
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, deep ruby color. The aromatics are intense, offering scents of red cherry and dried herbs with supporting notes of boysenberry, black tea, forest floor, and cigar box. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of black cherry, pomegranate, five spice, and slate. The finish is long and lingering with chewy tannins and tart berries. Medium to full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a supple texture.
How to Serve
This wine really needs nothing but a glass but the rich texture and bright acidity would pair perfectly with a grilled beef ribeye or rich, braised beef and mushrooms.
Price: $ 75
BevX Review: http://bevx.com/wine-detail/?id=4341
