Lingua Franca LLC

2019 Tongue 'n Cheek Pinot Noir

2019 Tongue 'n Cheek Pinot Noir
Date Picked: September 21, 2019
Finished Wine: Alcohol: 13%, pH: 3.6
Suggested Retail: $60 • 200 cases produced

Tongue ‘n Cheek 2019 is a mirror image of The Plow 2019. From the beginning of Lingua Franca, The Plow and Tongue ‘n Cheek were sourced from neighboring blocks but reflected slightly different handling. The Plow is usually around 20% whole cluster fermented while Tongue ‘n Cheek has little or no whole cluster. While both radiate the same macro terroir qualities, The Plow winds up with a firmer structure, while Tongue ‘n Cheek focuses on rounder, more caressing qualities of Pinot Noir.

In 2019, Tongue ‘n Cheek is entirely from Block 3, PN777.  This is from a slightly lower altitude than what was sourced for The Plow and here the soils are a bit more fertile, nudging the fruit forward ahead of mineral and structural qualities.  The intensity of the vintage is apparent in the wine’s rich texture, spiciness, and persistence. It will be interesting to compare the two wines over the next decade.

Vinification

Tongue ‘n Cheek 2019 was hand-picked at night, fermented in stainless steel tanks with ambient yeast and minimal punch downs with co-fermentation of 10% whole clusters to provide a bit more spice and structure to the luscious fruit quality. After fermentation was complete, the wine was racked into 18% new French oak barriques and aged sur lie for 12 months, then assembled in tank for another 5 months until bottling.

2019 Vintage

Winter was again a little dry. Spring rain accumulation helped avoid another drought year providing the vines with water to sustain growth and return to health after the severe drought of 2018. Harvest proceeded with fruit in excellent condition, though there were some rain events that had to be watched.