Beverage of the Week (BOW)

Tongue Dancer Wines Bacigalupi Vineyard Chardonnay Russian River Valley 2015

Product Story

This is a bold and somewhat raw (while very refined) Chardonnay with personality and gusto. It is completely barrel-fermented with native yeasts. The wine is aged in French oak, 25% new oak, for a period of 15 months and then bottled unfined and unfiltered. Despite being crafted in such a way that typically creates monstrous Chardonnay, this wine from Tongue Dancer is quite nimble and vibrant while being multilayered and rich. This is Tongue Dancer's first Chardonnay and it is quite limited so get yours now. 95 points.

Brand Story

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 but they do offer a unique Pinot Noir Rosé (that we recently reviewed - check it out). This BOW features their first release of Chardonnay and this, like their Pinot, will be a must buy for all serious Chardonnay lovers. In short order Tongue Dancer Wines has become one of our most anticipated arrivals. We can't wait to see what they do next.

Tasting Note

Brilliant, medium golden color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of lemon curd, kumquat, and white peach with supporting notes of orange peel, cantaloupe, and honeysuckle. The palate confirms the nose delivering a ripe, orchard fruits-driven core with flavors of lychee, stone fruits, and wet river stones. The finish is long and lingering with subtle citrus notes. Medium to full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a opulent texture punctuated by a dose of toasty oak.

How to Serve

Serve chilled but no too cold or you will suppress the the subtle nuances abundant in this wine. Pair it with roasted fowl, cream sauces, or smoked salmon. The beautiful natural acidity in this wine makes it a great food pairing wine.

Price: $ 50

BevX Review: http://bevx.com/wine-detail/?id=3759