Tongue Dancer Chardonnay Bacigalupi Vineyard

Retail $50. Extremely Heavy Bottle (872g; 30.7oz). I find it hard to believe, but this is only the second time I have written a note for this wine. The first was over six years ago, and I loved it then (93 Points), and as has been my experience with all of James MacPhail's wines (at least those that I have been able to sequester away), this Bacigalupi Chard has improved with the additional time in the cellar. Considerably. Yellow, close …

Retail $50. James MacPhail is a study in contrast. Shy, quiet, and seemingly avoiding attention, his wines are big, boisterous, and in your face. This Chardonnay certainly fits with that description as it is rich, fleshy, and explosive. While there is oak, it is held in check, or perhaps more accurately, the oak is overwhelmed by the fruit. Golden in the glass with intense lemon curd oozing over the rim. That fruit is the story past the lips, but there …

Light straw yellow color; lemon, lemon cream, almond nose; tasty, juicy, lemon, lemon cream, tart pear palate with bright, near medium acidity; medium-plus finish (14.1% alcohol; 16 months in French oak, 25% new; natural cork)