Tongue Dancer Wines Pratt Vyd Irwin Lane Chardonnay Russian River Valley 2021

The Data

Country USA

Appellation Russian River Valley

Varietal Chardonnay

Retail Price $45

ABV 14.1%

Score 5 Stars/98 points

In the Glass

Appearance

Brilliant, medium golden color.

Aromatics

The aromatics are wonderfully intense, offering scents of lychee, citrus zest, and bees wax with supporting notes of kumquat, mineral, candied ginger, and hints of basil.

Flavor

The palate confirms the nose delivering a ripe orchard and tropical fruits-driven core with flavors of quince paste, semi-tart pineapple, red grapefruit, and zesty lemon curd. The finish is tart with abundant citrus accents.

Intensity & Texture

Medium to full-bodied and ideally balanced with a vibrant texture.

Cool Factor

Not many winemakers can make Chardonnay cool — it's ubiquitous — but Tongue Dancer delivers wines with personality.

Value Grade

B+

Handmade Chardonnay from Russian River crafted in limited quantities is never to be found in the bargain aisle but we find this wine to be irresistible.

Analysis

The 2021 vintage represents the fifth release of Tongue Dancer Wines’ Pratt Vineyard/Irwin Lane Chardonnay or simply the “Flying Barrel” as it is affectionately known. We have been a huge fan of this wine from the start. This expression typically features complex tropical fruits with equally complex citrus notes and the most perfect balance of natural acidity that you will find in a California Chardonnay. As we have said before — great winemaking consists of farming, artistry of the winemaker, and mother nature — not necessarily in that order. This Chardonnay is made entirely with whole cluster pressed grapes straight to barrel and then fermented in a 100% French Oak egg-shaped barrel and rested on its lees for 10 months in French oak barrels (25% new). It is drinking great now but this wine has a very promising future — as it does vintage after vintage. However, the 2021 vintage is potentially the longest lived of the collection thus far.

How to Enjoy

Serve chilled but not too cold or you will suppress the subtle nuances abundant in this wine. Pair it with a wide range of foods from fish to fowl and especially with subtle to medium heat curries.