Tongue Dancer Wines Pratt Vyd Irwin Lane Chardonnay Russian River Valley 2020

The Current Beverage of the Week Previous Beverages of the Week

Beverage of the Week (BOW)

Tongue Dancer Wines Pratt Vyd Irwin Lane Chardonnay Russian River Valley 2020

Product Story

This wine represents Tongue Dancer Wines sixth Chardonnay and the fourth from Pratt Vineyard Irwin Lane in the Russian River Valley AVA. Every vintage of this wine offers a unique expression while having a strong familial bond. This (2020) vintage showcases a lovely mélange of ripe orchard fruits with tropical fruit — a hallmark of this wine year after year. Great winemaking consists of farming, artistry of the winemaker, and mother nature — not necessarily in that order. The Chardonnay from this vineyard is all certified organic and the fruit was hand-picked. This Chardonnay is made entirely with whole cluster pressed grapes straight to barrel and then 100% barrel fermented and rested on its lees for 10 months in French oak barrels (25% new). It is drinking great now but the but this wine has a promising future as well and five years in the cellar should reveal additional nuances.

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. Tongue Dancer is constantly innovating, releasing new wines every year while never missing a beat. 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, golden color. The aromatics are intense, offering scents of lemon curd, lychee, and lime with supporting notes of meringue, orange peel, bees wax, and hints of apricot stone. The palate confirms the nose delivering a tropical fruits-driven core with flavors of white peach, pineapple, quince, and slate. The finish lingers with crisp citrus accents. Medium to full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a vibrant yet expansive texture.