Tongue Dancer Wine

Articles About Tongue Dancer Wine

Reviewed Wines

2018 Tongue Dancer Sonoma Coast Rosé of Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., pH 3.19, TA 0.82, RS 0.5 g/L, 148 cases, $25. Released March 8, 2019. A saignée with juice left on the skins for two days, fermented and aged in stainless steel. Fermented with a yeast from the Bandol region of France. Partial MLF. · Deep pinkish-orange color in the glass. Clean aromas of cherry, cranberry, dried rose petal and dried herbs. Adroit in the mouth with appealing flavors of red cherry, apricot and orangetinged cranberry. Very dry, with the slightest tannins and a silky, apricot-lemon infused finish. Bring on the pizza! Score: 90. Reviewed June 19, 2019 ARTICLE »

2017 Tongue Dancer Sonoma Coast Rosé of Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., pH 3.29, TA 0.64, RS 0.5g/L, 220 cases, $25. Released March 8, 2018. Classy package with a tall, stately bottle and a pink wax cap. A saignée blend from a selection of three Sonoma Coast vineyards. 2-day skin contact. Fermented and aged in stainless steel. Inoculated with a yeast from the Bandol region of France. Partial malolactic fermentation. · Moderate pink color in the glass. Seductive aromas of strawberry preserves, blood orange and Chanel No 5. Delightful flavors of strawberry, orange, and savory dried herbs. The slightest tannins add sustenance, the acidity lends crispness and the overall impression is one of harmony. Score: 92. Reviewed May 12, 2018 ARTICLE »

2017 Tongue Dancer Platt Vineyard - Irwin Lane Russian River Valley Chardonnay

13.95% alc., pH 3.38, TA 0.62, RS 1 g/L, 96 cases, $39. Released March 8, 2019. Pratt Vineyard-Irwin Lane. Inaugural vintage from this vineyard. Grapes are from a certified organic block farmed by Jim Pratt, one of the most respected vineyard managers in Sonoma County. Clone 69. Whole cluster pressed to barrel, barrel fermented with native yeast, 100% MLF, once weekly lees stirring during primary fermentation, and aged 11 months on the lees in French oak barrels, 25% new. Bottled on July 24, 2018 unfined and lightly filtered. · Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. A classic Chardonnay nose offering scents of lemon custard, white nectarine, and cozy oak with a bit of flint showing up as well. Lovely flavors of lemon, white stone fruits and graphite. Sleek in the mouth with good brightness and appealing modest, leaner styling. Beautifully balanced with a lemon creme finish. Score: 93. Reviewed June 19, 2019 ARTICLE »

2017 Tongue Dancer Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., pH 3.49, TA 0.62, RS 1 g/L, 328 cases, $49. Released March 8, 2019. Clones are Pommard, 777, 115, 667, 23 and a secret clone. Sourced from Placida, Van der Kamp and Putnam vineyards. 100% de-stemmed, fermented in small open-top tanks, 5-day cold soak, aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 36% new. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Savory aromas of underbrush and spice combine with fruity aromas of cherry on the nose. A charming light to mid weight style, offering elegantly composed fruit flavors of red cherry and berry with not even a touch of oak. Nice harmony, with congruous tannins and an uplifting cherry-driven, aromatic finish. Score: 92. Reviewed June 19, 2019 ARTICLE »

2016 Tongue Dancer Putnam Vineyard Sonoma Coast Rosé of Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 35 cases, $(sold out). · Moderate pink color in the glass. An array of aromas are offered, including dark strawberry, spice, yellow plum and floral bouquet. A richer style and darker fruited style, with flavors of blueberry and purple berry, along with orange, pink grapefruit and nutty oak. Nicely composed, with gentle tannin and some length on the finish. Score: 89. Reviewed June 4, 2017

2016 Tongue Dancer Putnam Vineyard Sonoma Coast Rosé of Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., pH 3.19, TA 0.82, 95 cases, $25. Released March 8, 2017. A saignée of Pinot Noir from the Putnam Vineyard in Annapolis. 2-day skin contact, fermented in stainless steel with M2 yeast. 100% malolactic fermentation. · Moderate copper hue in the glass. The nose leads with aromas of strawberry, watermelon and yellow rose. The flavors echo the aromas along with tastes of blood orange, persimmon and herbs. Clean and upbeat, with some persistence on the citrus peel infused finish. The alcohol in this wine, above the level of many Rosés, gives the wine more body and a hint of perceived sweetness. Score: 91. Reviewed April 19, 2017 ARTICLE »

2016 Tongue Dancer Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.7% alc., pH 3.63, TA 0.59, RS 1.2 g/L, 223 cases, $49, white wax cap. Released March 8, 2018. A blend of three Sonoma Coast AVA vineyards. Clones 115, 667, 777 and a suitcase clone.100% de-stemmed, 5-day cold soak, aged 16 months French oak barrels, 30% new. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Exuberant and seductive nose offering aromas of black cherry and spice. The gorgeous charge of Bing cherry, black raspberry and spice flavors really hit home on the mid palate and cling through a generous finish. Sleek in texture with a subtle complement of toasty oak and nicely integrated tannins. A real charmer that is both harmonious and on pitch. You won’t be able to take your eyes off the glass. Score: 95. Reviewed June 9, 2018 ARTICLE »

2016 Tongue Dancer Bacigalupi Vineyard Russian River Valley Chardonnay

14.5% alc., pH 3.38, TA 0.65, 100 cases, $50. Released September 6, 2018. Old Wente clone. Harvest Brix 23.2º. Whole cluster pressed, barrel fermented, native yeast primary fermentation, 100% malolactic fermentation, once weekly lees stirring during primary fermentation. Aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 25% new. Bottled unfined and lightly filtered. · Light golden yellow color in the glass. Demure perfume of lemon peel, pineapple, parchment and petrol. Discrete richness of flavor, offering tastes of lemon, golden apple, pineapple and sweet oak. A bright and uplifting style with redeeming acidity that veers from many typical Russian River Valley Chardonnays that display tropical fruit lushness. Score: 92. Reviewed October 12, 2018 ARTICLE »

2016 Tongue Dancer “Pinot de Ville” Putnam Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., pH 3.60, TA 0.56, 99 cases, $65. Release September 6, 2018. The third release in the “de Ville” series. The Putnam Vineyard is located 6 miles from the Pacific Ocean in the town of Annapolis and is owned and operated by Cliff and Puanani Putnam. Clones 15, 777, Pommard and a Calera selection. Harvest Brix 25.5º. Grapes sorted once in vineyard and once at winery. 100% gently de-stemmed, 5-day cold soak in open-top fermenters, native yeast primary and malolactic. Aged 17 months with weekly lees stirring for 3 months in French oak barrels, 35% new. Light polish filtration without fining at bottling. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Enticing aromas of dark fruits, forest floor and wine cave. Bold flavors of blackberry and black raspberry with weight and presence. Adept and rounded in the mouth with soft tannins, deft oak compliment, and a cleansing, finish that leaves a resonant blackberry message. Score: 93. Reviewed October 12, 2018 ARTICLE »

2015 Tongue Dancer Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., pH 3.68, TA 0.58, RS <1.0 g/L, 35 cases, $49. Released March 8, 2017. Grapes sourced from the Annapolis area of the West Sonoma Coast. Clones 2A, 114, 115, 667, 777, Martini and Pommard. 100% gently de-stemmed, not crushed. Fermented in small opentops, 5-day cold soak, daily punch downs four times a day. Aged 17 months on the lees in 100% French oak. Light filtration without fining at bottling. James MacPhail is the winemaker. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Fresh aromas of cherry, spice, leaf and pine lead to a deeply flavored core of cherry and raspberry fruits. Succulent in the mouth, with balanced tannins and supportive oak, finishing on a luscious high with notes of cherry and pine needle. Score: 91. Reviewed May 7, 2017 ARTICLE »

2015 Tongue Dancer Bacigalupi Vineyard Russian River Valley Chardonnay

14.5% alc., pH 3.49, TA 0.58, RS <1 g/L, $50. Wax top. Inaugural release September 6, 2017. Old Went clone. Harvest Brix 23.2º. Whole cluster pressed to barrel. Native yeast fermentation lees stirring once weekly through primary fermentation only. Barrel fermented and aged 15 months sur lie in French oak barrels, 25% new. Bottled unfixed and unfiltered. · Moderately light golden yellow color in the glass. Aromas of lemon, chalk, slate and coffee along with subtle burnt match reduction. Richly flavored with lemon, golden apple, honeyed pear and blonde caramel. Lush and creamy mouthfeel with a modest mantle of oak. The heady flavors continue through the finish highlighting salted apple. Score: 93. Reviewed December 3, 2017 ARTICLE »

2015 Tongue Dancer Pinot de Ville Putnam Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., pH 3.60, TA 0.59, 125 cases, $65. Released September 6, 2017. Winemaker James MacPhail, produced and bottled by Liquid Vinyl Ltd., Healdsburg. Vineyard is located just 6 miles from the ocean in the town of Annapolis. Clones 115 and 777. Harvest Brix 25.0º. 100% gently de-stemmed and not crushed. 5-day cold soak in 1-ton open-top fermenters. Daily punch downs by hand. Barrel fermented in French oak barrels with batonnage once every other week until primary fermentation finished. Aged 17 months on the lees in French oak barrels, 25% new. Light filtration, no fining at bottling. · Moderately light ruby red color in the glass. Shy, but welcoming aromas of black cherry and earthy flora. Good depth of black cherry and raspberry fruit with notable attack and length. Well-spiced, with a thread of toasty oak in a supportive role and the slightest confected tone. The tannins are quite silky making for easy drinking now yet the balance predicts age ability. Score: 93. Reviewed December 3, 2017 ARTICLE »

2014 Tongue Dancer Pinot de Ville Putnam Vineyard Sonoma County Pinot Noir

14.5%, pH 3.73, TA 0.57, RS <1.0 g/L. 70 cases, $65. Released September 6, 2916. Inaugural single-vineyard Pinot Noir release from Tongue Dancer Wines. This historic 32-acre vineyard was planted in 2005 at 500 feet elevation and is located in Annapolis on the West Sonoma Coast, just 6 miles inland from the Pacific Ocean. The vineyard is family owned and operated by Cliff and Puanani Putnam. Goldridge and sandy clay loam soils. Clones 115, 777, Pommard, Flowers, Calera. Yield 2.0 tons/acre. 100% de-stemmed after meticulous sorting. 5-day cold soak, native and inoculated yeast primary fermentation. Once fermentation close to completion, the fermenters are drained of free-run juice to barrel and barrels are stirred once every other week until primary is completed. The wine was aged 18 months on the lees in French oak barrels. Light filtration with no fining at bottling. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. A vivacious wine with an array of aromas including dark berries, black cherry, black raspberry, spice and dusty earth. A wild, feral character enhances the mid weight core of dark red and black berry and spice flavors. Lifted by good acidity, with judiciously integrated oak, and offering a notably seductive satiny mouthfeel. The wine was more expressive the following day when re-tasted from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Score: 91. Reviewed October 2, 2016 ARTICLE »

2013 Tongue Dancer Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.75% alc., pH 3.70, TA 0.56, 100 cases, $45. 100% de-stemmed, 5-day cold maceration in small open-top fermenters, native and inoculated yeast ferments, daily punchdowns by hand or foot, and aged 11 months on the lees in 100% French oak barrels, 1 new, 2 from 2012 and 1 from 2011. Lightly filtered at bottling with no fining. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. The aromas of fresh cherry, red berry and spice pick up intensity over time in the glass. Very sleek with impeccable balance, offering mid weight flavors of black cherry and brown spice in a highly enjoyable style that ends on a high note of generous cherry goodness. Score: 92. Reviewed April 2, 2016 ARTICLE »