Beverage of the Week (BOW)

Tongue Dancer Wines Putnam Vineyard Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 2017

Product Story

The 2017 vintage marks the fourth edition of The Tongue Dancer "Pinot de Ville" and it’s our favorite to date (we at BevX have never given a score of 99 points). As always, grapes are sourced from the Putnam Vineyard located in the Sonoma Coast town of Annapolis just six miles from the Pacific coast. The grapes are hand-picked and gently destemmed, not crushed. The five-day pre-fermentation cold soak undoubtedly contributes to the rich ruby color and intense aromatics. This Pinot rests for 16 months exclusively in French oak barrels (25% new) prior to bottling. This is a wine for serious Pinot Noir lovers. Burgundy lovers will weep while sipping this beauty. Each vintage features a different Cadillac DeVille on the label and this year a bright lavender 1972 DeVille graces the bottle. Just 120 cases made — get this Pinot before it disappears.

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 including this delicious and unique Pinot Noir Rosé and a delicious Chardonnay that has now blossomed to this second version of Chardonnay. 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, deep ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of dried cherry and dried herbs with supporting notes of black tea, earth, violet, and oak. The palate echoes the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of black cherry, baking spices, and hibiscus flower. The finish is long and lingering with firm but supple tannins. Medium to full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a meaty (for Pinot Noir) yet silky 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 tenderloin or rich braised beef and mushrooms. Be sure to decant before drinking.

Price: $ 65

BevX Review: http://bevx.com/wine-detail/?id=3954