Swinging Bridge Mrs Payten Chardonnay 12pack 2023 13.4% 750ml

Swinging Bridge Mrs Payten Chardonnay 12pack 2023 13.4% 750ml

VINIFICATION
The fruit is picked from our Hill Park (Blocks 1, 2 and 7) and Caldwell Lane Vineyards (Blocks D and A), as well as Coole Park Vineyard (Block 1). The fruit is then taken straight to the press and pressed to tank, where some limited settling is undertaken for 24 hours. The juice is then racked to barrel, taking a fair amount of solids, and left for wild ferment. Fermentation occurs as quickly as possible, with the wines being sulfured upon completion of fermentation. The barrels consist of 20% new hogsheads and puncheons with the rest varying up to 5 years of age. They are a mixture of French Tonneliers that are well suited to Chardonnay in Orange. The wine is held in barrel for 7 months, stirred every couple of weeks initially and then less frequently until the right texture is achieved, depending on the barrel. The barrels are then tasted separately and put together for the final blend, ready for bottling in November.

VINTAGE NOTES
The 2022 vintage began with high rainfall throughout the winter of 2021 which continued until January. This led to some vigorous canopy growth in the early months of spring and summer, requiring extensive leaf plucking, trimming and crop thinning to ensure the crop was properly prepared heading toward harvest. The rainfall stopped in mid January and held off until mid April, which allowed us to harvest the fruit with optimal ripeness. Below average temperatures in every month of the growing season led to some beautiful cool climate wines.

RANGE NOTES
The Swinging Bridge Winemaker Series, like their namesakes, are unique. They reflect the best of the Orange Region, capturing the essence and terroir of the vineyard. As was Mrs Payten, Tom’s grandmother, these are wines of style, elegance and finesse. This Chardonnay was first released to celebrate Armah’s 90th Birthday in 2013 and was matured in tightly grained French Oak, balancing its rich stone fruit and grapefruit characters. With its depth of flavour, flintiness and natural, cool climate acidity, this is a wine that will reward cellaring.

TASTING NOTES
APPEARANCE
Clear, pale lemon.

AROMA
Bright, fresh lemon juicy, subtle blossoms and soft vanilla.

PALATE
Good flavou intensity showing fresh citrus and a long lingering finish.

FOOD MATCHING
Sunday roast with pork belly.
ACID (G/L): 9.3 g/L

DESCRIPTION
COUNTRY: Australia
REGION: Orange
VARIETY: Chardonnay
ALCOHOL VOL.: 13.4
VINTAGE: 2023
CLOSURE: Screwcap
VOLUME: 750