A blinding white gold and a chartreuse shimmer in the glass, the 2021 Mannequin opens with opulent, beguiling aromatics. Ripe golden apple, concentrated jasmine, citrus notes and a touch of cream and fresh brioche emerge. The entry is bright yet with a bit of weight; similar aromatic notes come through on the palate supplemented by rich honeydew and green apple. Tempered by a prominent vein of acidity, the wine closes at length with a seamless silk-like quality, finishing with pleasing minerality.
The most widely planted white wine grape in California, Chardonnay is expressed in many different styles due to the state’s varied regions. Microclimates and unique soil types allow us to source Chardonnay that tell us about place, heping us achieve our goals of showing what California has to offer. Before everything is blended, each lot expresses where it comes from – some are acid-forward and mineral-focused, while others are robuts, ripe and fruit-forward. But through blending trials we’re able to bring them together and form a piece of liquid art. Vintage after vintage we source fruit from vineyards across the state of California featuring vineyards located in the Russian River Valley, Atlas Peak and Santa Maria Valley – Mannequin is our manifestation of California Chardonnay.
Wine Advocate Review:
Even with an appreciable volume (11,300 cases), all of the 2021 Chardonnay Mannequin was barrel fermented and matured, spending eight months in 23% new French oak. Blended primarily from Santa Barbara and Sonoma sources (there is some Napa fruit, as well as 2.6% Viognier), it's toasty on the nose, boasting notes of roasted cashew, grilled peaches and vanilla. It's full-bodied, lush and easy to drink, with tropical fruit and pineapple on the finish. Enjoy it on the young side. Anticipated Maturity: 2023-2026