Beverage of the Week (BOW)

Tongue Dancer Pratt Vine Hill Vineyard Chardonnay Russian River Valley 2020

Product Story

Christmas has come early as Tongue Dancer Wines (TDW) has released a new Chardonnay. The grapes are sourced from Pratt Vineyard — Vine Hill. Three great Chardonnay clones are grown here: Mt Eden, Robert Young, and FPS 70 (Dijon). The blend of these clones results in a wine with great complexity and depth. Further, this vintage gives a wine that is opulent while lean and vibrant with a brilliant integration of bright acidity. It's 100% barrel-fermented, aged in French oak for 16 months (33% new) sur lie (on the lees giving it great texture and depth). Finally, it’s bottled unfined and lightly filtered. We absolutely love this wine and we are very hopeful that this is not a one-off but rather a continuing part of their great portfolio.

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, light golden color. The aromatics are intense, offering scents of Meyer lemon, pear, and mineral with supporting notes of quince paste, orange peel, custard, and spring flowers. The palate confirms the nose delivering a ripe orchard fruits-driven core with flavors of ripe white peach, blanched almonds, meringue, and oak. The finish is long and lingering with tart tropical accents. Medium to full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a supple texture.

How to Serve

Serve chilled but 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: $ 65

BevX Review: http://bevx.com/wine-detail/?id=4240