Tongue Dancer Wines Putnam Vineyard Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 2016

The Data

Country USA

Appellation Sonoma Coast

Varietal Pinot Noir

Retail Price $65

ABV 14.5%

Score 4.5 Stars/96 points

In the Glass

Appearance

Brilliant, deep ruby color.

Aromatics

The aromatics are very intense offering scents of black cherry and black tea with supporting notes of boysenberry, earth, slate, and violet.

Flavor

The palate confirms the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of red cherry and hibiscus flower. The finish is long and lingering featuring accents of allspice and oak with ripe tannins.

Intensity & Texture

Medium to full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a supple texture.

Cool Factor

What's not cool about a delicious, tiny production (just four barrels) Pinot with personality. The Tongue Dancer "Pinot de Ville" seems to get better with each new release.

Value Grade

Have you heard that Pinot Noir is expensive? Sure you have. This very stylish wine won't make anyone's bargain list but it's exceptional and extraordinarily limited so if you blink you'll miss your chance to get a few bottles.

Analysis

The 2016 vintage marks the third edition of The Tongue Dancer "Pinot de Ville" and it does its legacy proud. The grapes are sourced from the Putnam Vineyard located in the Sonoma Coast town of Annapolis just six miles from the Pacific coast. The grapes are hand-picked and gently de-stemmed, not crushed. The five-day pre-fermentation cold soak undoubtedly contributes to the rich ruby color and intense aromatics. This Pinot rests for 17 months exclusively in French oak barrels (35% new) prior to bottling. This generous and nuanced Pinto Noir will age gracefully for five years and beyond but it is absolutely lovely today.

How to Enjoy

This wine really needs nothing but a glass but the rich texture and bright acidity would pair perfectly with a grilled beef tenderloin or rich braised beef and mushrooms.