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.
Very versatile. Goes well with grilled meat, vegetable, fish, poultry and cheese.
"I always love this cuvée from Argot, and their 2020 Pinot Noir Bastard Tongue certainly delivers the goods. Ripe, medium to full-bodied, and balanced, with some spicy, floral, and red and black-fruited aromatics, it has ripe tannins, integrated acidity, and outstanding length.”
- Jeb Dunnuck (February 2023), 92 pts
"Always a richer, more powerful Pinot, the 2019 Pinot Noir Bastard Tongue is no exception and gives up a medium ruby hue as well as a big nose of spiced red and black fruits, cola, forest floor, sassafras, and dried orange. Complex, medium to full-bodied, and textured, it has good acidity and balance, yet there's no reason to hold off, as it's drinking beautifully today.”
- Jeb Dunnuck (September 2021), 94 pts
"Rich, offering steeped and mulled cherry and plum fruit flavors wrapped with licorice and singed wood notes. The fruit holds sway on the finish where hints of wood spice and sweet toast permeate. For fans of the bigger style. Drink now through 2027. 305 cases made. - JM”
- Wine Spectator (Wine Spectator, May 2022 ), 93 pts
"A more limited production cuvée, the 2018 Pinot Noir Bastard Tongue is a big, ripe, sexy beast of a Pinot Noir delivering loads of black cherry and black raspberry fruit intermixed with plenty of spring flowers, sappy herb, and forest-like nuances. Full-bodied, it has a hedonistic, sweetly fruited style, ripe tannins, and a great finish. It doesn’t pull any punches yet stays balanced, textured, and a joy to drink. It should keep for 5-7 years or so.”
- Jeb Dunnuck, 95 pts
"Ripe and open-textured, with luscious acidity supporting the lively dark fruit and cooking spice flavors. Creamy midpalate, with chocolate and mocha notes on the finish. Drink now through 2024. - Kim MARKUS”
- Wine Spectator (Wine Spectator Insider), 92 pts
'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 ...
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