Tongue Dancer New Releases: and 2016 Russian River Valley Chardonnay

Tongue Dancer 2016 'Pinot de Ville' Pinot Noir Putnam Vineyard Sonoma Coast ($65)
This new release from winemaker James MacPhail is deeply colored and powerful with generous boysenberry and wild strawberry fruit notes accented with hints of vanilla and baking spices. As much as it is a rather powerful Pinot, it also has a good bit of tangy acidity that really lingers on the palate and keeps it lively and fresh. Only 95 cases made. (93 Points)

Tongue Dancer 2016 Chardonnay Bacigalupi Vineyard Russian River Valley ($50) Big, brassy, juicy and just a little bit wild, this full-bodied Chardonnay has savory cardamom, tarragon, lemon and apricot aromas. In the mouth it's expansive and unctuous, but has a nice thread of acid running through the ultra-long finish. Very impressive Chardonnay. (95 Points)
 

 - Tim Teichgraeber