Beverage of the Week (BOW)

Tongue Dancer Pinot de Ville Pinot Noir Russian River Valley 2020

Product Story

The 2020 vintage marks the seventh edition of The Tongue Dancer "Pinot de Ville" (PDV) — but this one is not like the others. For the first time in PDV history the fruit is sourced from vineyards in Russian River Valley. The 2020 fires in California and the nature of buying fruit from vineyards not under your control led to a switch in sources. Fortunately, James MacPhail has a lot of contacts and has an uncanny ability to locate small lots of exceptional fruit and craft these into exceptional bottles of wine. The grapes are hand-picked and gently destemmed, not crushed. The five-day, pre-fermentation cold soak undoubtedly contributes to the dark, inky color and intense aromatics. This Pinot rests for 16 months exclusively in French oak barrels (20% new) prior to bottling. Just five barrels made — get this Pinot before it disappears.

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. We have been reviewing the wines from Tongue Dancer for the better part of a decade and we have never seen a Tongue Dancer Wine fail to earn Four-Stars or better. Tongue Dancer is constantly innovating, releasing new wines every year while never missing a beat. This is a winery to watch. The wines are always in short supply so be swift. Visit their website and join their mailing list to get direct access to their wines.

Tasting Note

Brilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are intense, offering scents of red cherry, raspberry, and slate with supporting notes of dried herbs, black tea, and clove. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of black cherry, crushed black berries, and boysenberry. The finish is long and lingering with ripe tannins. Medium to full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a supple 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 ribeye or rich, braised beef and mushrooms.

Price: $ 69

BevX Review: http://bevx.com/wine-detail/?id=4241