Beverage of the Week (BOW)
Tongue Dancer Bacigalupi Vineyard Chardonnay Russian River Valley 2019
Product Story
We can’t believe that this is the fifth edition of their lovely Bacigalupi Vineyard Chardonnay — time flies. We have been fans of each release but we are not above having favorites. This lovely 2019 version is one of our favorites and it’s amazingly reminiscent of the great 2016 vintage (another favorite of ours). Both the ’16 and ’19 Bacigalupi Vineyard Chardonnays show great finesse and nuance along with generous and complex flavors. This vineyard features the Old Wente clone — a Chardonnay clone brought to California, from Burgundy in 1912 by C.H. Wente. Like previous vintages, the 2019 Bacigalupi Chardonnay is completely barrel-fermented with native yeasts. The wine was then rested, sur lie, for a period of 16 months in French oak (20% new). This is a lovely Chardonnay, as we have been accustomed to expect, with great depth and a celebration of Russian River Valley fruit. This wine is made entirely at their Grapewagon Crush facility in Healdsburg.
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 lemon curd, lychee, and honeysuckle with supporting notes of honeysuckle, baked apple, passion fruit, and vanilla. The palate confirms the nose delivering a ripe orchard fruits-driven core with flavors of apricot, white peach, meringue, and hints of ginger biscuits. The finish is long and lingering with rich custard notes foiled by citrus zest. Medium to full-bodied and perfectly balanced with an opulent texture.
How to Serve
Serve chilled but not too cold or you will suppress the the subtle nuances abundant in this wine. Pair it with roasted fowl or fatty grilled fish. Of course it really needs nothing but a glass...
Price: $ 50
BevX Review: http://bevx.com/wine-detail/?id=4142
