Argot, 'Bastard Tongue' Pinot Noir, Sonoma County, California, 2021

Overview of the Wine
'Argot' refers to a shared language, borne from, and reinforcing the intimacy associated with tight-knit groups, whom are brought together by their common interests and shared histories:

"Each significant relationship in life gives rise to an 'argot' among the members who define it. The deeper the bond, and longer its history, this argot’s vocabulary becomes more personal, allowing it to strengthen and enhance the dynamic. When opening a bottle of wine, so too is opened the flow of conversation and ability to connect. Throughout human history wine has been used for worship, celebration, mourning and, more simply, sharing life. The wine brand Argot honors the beautiful symmetry and complementary nature that wine and communication hold. Round up a friend, pull a cork, splash a glass, and enjoy."

Argot was created by winemaker Justin Harmon in 2007. Justin fell in love with wine as a consumer, and his education in chemical engineering drew him into the winemaking process. He began experimenting in his parent's Chicago basement, using a kit and then flash-frozen grapes brought in by rail car from Napa, then moved to California for his first harvest work in 2005. After harvest internships in 2006 & 2007, Justin bought his first ton of grapes & began the Argot project.

Argot is dedicated to crafting small lots from Sonoma County at the highest quality level. Annual production is small at 2,500 9-liter cases.

Sustainably farmed. Sourced from both high-elevation and valley floor vineyards, located in the cool climate AVAs of Sonoma Mountain, Bennett Valley and Petaluma Gap.

Grape / Blend
100% Pinot Noir

Origin
Sonoma County, California

Winemaker's Tasting Notes
Inheriting an unbroken string of success, the “Bastard Tongue” arrives fully-formed and ready to impress. Always a blend from multiple Pinot Noir vineyards, this iteration of “BT” was selected from three distinct sites, each making their 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 line.

97 Points - The Wine Insider
The 2021 Pinot Noir Bastard Tongue is pale to medium ruby-purple in color. It swans out of the glass with showy notes of kirsch, juicy raspberries, and fresh cranberries with hints of lavender, iris, iron ore, and mossy tree bark. The full-bodied palate is jam-packed with bright, energetic black and red berry flavors, giving off a firework display of mineral and floral accents, supported by seamless freshness and a firm, fine-grained texture, finishing long, long, long. This is simply stunning.

Product size: 750ml