Orin Swift Mannequin 2016

Drink now to 2028. No need to decant.

This Chardonnay blend introduces five predominantly French varietals to create a unique wine unlike any other made in California. The winemaker originally conceived of this wine as a white blend, but Chardonnay from Carneros and Sonoma Valley became the dominant varietal. From these regions, the winemaker sources Chardonnay from particularly cool climate vineyards to showcase the best grapes in one of the best Chardonnay growing regions in the world.

In the glass, the wine has a pale straw color and releases aromas of granny smith apple, poached pear, jasmine and orange blossom. When tasting, an assertive mouthfeel and striking acidity give way to layers of honeysuckle, white peach and tangerine. The wine is aged in 40% new French oak and aged sur lie for nine months. This brings out lovely baking spice and crème brulee notes and an intoxicatingly creamy mouthfeel.

The vibrant acidity and lush mouthfeel make this a perfect accompaniment to assertive and sharp cheeses.

Orin Swift Cellars is owned and operated by David Swift Phinney. After falling in love with wine on a trip to Florence, Italy, he worked as a temporary harvester for Robert Mondavi Winery before starting Orin Swift Cellars in 1998. Orin comes from his father’s middle name while Swift is his mother’s maiden name.