Mannequin Californian Chardonnay 2018 – These are the initial offerings from a collection from California which will introduce locals to what that famous wine region can offer (for a start, health and safety issues, if the weight of the monster bottles is anything to go by). Good story to go with the wines – and every place needs a good story.
As detailed, in 1995, Winemaker Dave Phinney was studying in Florence and discovered wine (well, the world was aware of it before that, but Dave was exposed to it and like so many, this became a life-altering moment). He worked at Mondavi and then in 1998, opened his own operation called Orin Swift.
This Chardy is apparently named after a line in a song by someone called Nicky Minaj. I have no reason to assume that is not true, but I have no idea who that is. The wine spent 8 months in oak, 32% new. What is interesting, and certainly not apparent, is that there is 1% of Sauvignon Blanc added to it.
You just know it is going to be a big wine. Heavy bottle, American, big punt. And it is, but it is certainly nicely balanced. Intense fruit notes with quince, grapefruit, stonefruit and some cinnamon oak touches, over a minerally backing. Lots to love here. There is a refreshing oystershell note on the finish, which really works. I found myself wishing I had a plate of rich seafood to go with it. 92.