Beverage of the Week (BOW)
Tongue Dancer Ultra Chardonnay Sonoma Coast 2019
Product Story
Ladies and gents allow me to introduce Ultra. Tongue Dancer Wine's latest and here-to-date greatest tier showcasing the best barrel of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from a vintage. The packaging is also unique featuring a pair of artful images that appear to be gazing at each other. It's not known if TDW's Ultra Chardonnay will always follow the same style and fruit source (it did not in 2018) — we doubt that it will and we embrace the spontaneity. The 2019 Ultra Chardonnay is a 50/50 blend of Bacigalupi Vineyard's famous Frost Ranch and Pratt Vineyard at Irwin Lane. This is the first time that they have blended these two wines and the results are nothing short of stunning. It cannot be said to be purely Burgundian in style but its subdued alcohol strength, lively acidity, and frenetic austerity may surely remind Chardonnay lovers of white Burgundies from the 1980s and earlier. This is our highest-rated Chardonnay to date — 15 years a counting — and it will not likely be ousted anytime soon. 5 Stars/99points
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. This best of both worlds scenario is witnessed in each sip of Tongue Dancer’s award winning wines. They offer a range of wines from various vineyard sources that include a lovely Rosé of Pinot Noir as well as a classic method bubbly. Lately they have introduced their “Ultra” tier that is limited to their best barrel of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay respectively. Their wines are a must for any serious Pinot and Chardonnay drinker. We can't wait to see what they do next. Visit their website and join their mailing list to get direct access to their wines.
Tasting Note
Brilliant, medium golden color. The aromatics are very intense, offering scents of white peach, lemon curd, apple, and Asian pear with supporting notes of slate, kiwi, kumquat, and subtle notes of coconut. The palate echoes the nose delivering a tropical fruits-driven core with flavors of white peach, green apple, citrus zest, and subtle hints of lychee. The finish is long and lingering. Medium to full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a rich texture while being seductively restrained.
How to Serve
Serve chilled buy not too cold as this will mute the aromatics and flavors. Allow it to breathe for at least 30 minutes. This wine has a big future and if you have the patience to cellar this wine for five to 10 years you will be rewarded.
Price: $ 95
BevX Review: http://bevx.com/wine-detail/?id=4123
