Argot 2020 Pinot Noir “Bastard Tongue” Sonoma County 95 Points

Inheriting an unbroken string of success — dating back to 2011 — the 2020 “Bastard Tongue” arrives fully formed and ready to impress. Always a blend from multiple “Grand-Cru” Pinot Noir vineyards, this iteration of “BT” was selected from three distinct sites, each making its own unique contribution of Sonoma County terroir to the wine’s character. Exploding forth on a tidal wave of high-toned, intense red and black fruits, this is a Pinot Noir that no stemware can contain. The palate’s profound depth is balanced by an inherent freshness, allowing the wine to crackle with brambly energy, while sustained by bass notes of underbrush, black tea, pie spice, and baker’s chocolate. A formidable rendition of “Bastard Tongue”, and a deserving successor to its 97-Point rated predecessor.

The Bastard Tongue, a blend of Swan, Pommard, and Dijon 115 clones, offers up dark raspberry, strawberry, and cherry notes that give the wine a dark-red-fruit character, but there are also loamy soil undertones, underbrush, spice box, and a rich, and a medium to full-bodied, fleshy mouthfeel. This is a complex Pinot Noir to drink now and over the next decade.

A selection of barrels displaying the magnificence of Sonoma County Pinot Noir — that specific balance of opulent fruit, inherent spice, and earthen notes. 2019’s Cuvee brings forth a significant emphasis on Sonoma’s oldest heritage selection, the Swan Clone. 

Winemaker Notes: “An unmistakable Pinot perfume explodes from the glass, pure and transparent — rich red-fruits; accentuated by Bastard Tongue’s tell-tale loam, spice and black tea. Weightless textures envelop the palate, boldly delivering a cascade of flavor that mirrors the nose, while remaining the picture of sophistication in its long, ethereal finish. An energetic bottling of the BT that perfectly captures the essence of the vintage.!