2018 Orin Swift Mannequin Chardonnay, Russian River

One-hundred percent barrel fermented and aged for eight months in French oak barrels (32% new), the 2018 Chardonnay Mannequin offers spiced apples and poached pears notions with nuances of baking bread, toasted almonds and honeycomb. Full- bodied, the palate reveals expressive apple and pears flavours with a satiny texture and plenty of baking spices coming through on the finish

91 points Lisa Perrotti-Brown robertparker.com Feb 2021 Drink 2020-2025

The Orin Swift Mannequin Chardonnay from Russian River Valley is one of the most distinctive Chardonnays in the Orin Swift collection, showcasing Dave Phinney’s signature style of richness, opulence and complexity. Phinney, the creative mind behind Orin Swift, is renowned for bold, layered wines, and Mannequin embodies that ethos in white wine form. Fruit is sourced from some of the best sites across the Russian River Valley and other cooler areas of Sonoma and Napa, delivering ripeness and concentration while retaining freshness.

Mannequin is crafted through meticulous small-lot winemaking. Grapes are hand-harvested and whole-bunch pressed, with fermentation in a mix of stainless steel and French oak (a portion new), and extended lees contact to build texture and savoury depth. The result is a Chardonnay that balances Californian fruit generosity with elegance and a luxurious mouthfeel.

In the glass it is golden straw. The bouquet is expressive and layered, offering baked apple, pear and pineapple alongside lemon curd, honeysuckle, vanilla bean, roasted hazelnut and toasty oak. The palate is full-bodied and silky, with ripe orchard and tropical fruits wrapped in creamy texture. Notes of spice, butterscotch and brioche unfold with time in the glass, while a streak of acidity keeps everything in balance. The finish is long, polished and indulgent.

Food pairings highlight its power and richness: butter-poached lobster, crab cakes, roast chicken with truffle butter, or vegetarian dishes like wild mushroom risotto and pumpkin gnocchi. It also pairs beautifully with strong cheeses such as aged Gouda or triple cream Brie. Best enjoyed over 8 to 10 years, Mannequin develops deeper layers of honey, nut and toast with age.