{"product_id":"2023-swinging-bridge-caldwell-lane-chardonnay","title":"2023 Swinging Bridge Caldwell Lane Chardonnay","description":"\u003cp\u003eTom Ward is doing everything right to cement Orange as a serious player for premium Australian Chardonnay. His Caldwell Lane block sits at a massive 890 metres elevation, combining a flat, richer parcel with a rugged, rocky slope. It is an extreme setup that forces the vines to work, consistently delivering fruit with incredible depth and natural structure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 2023 season started out worryingly cold and wet, prompting some intensive canopy management to keep the fruit happy. A warm turnaround in early 2026 saved the day, allowing the chardonnay to hit perfect maturity while locking in that crucial high-altitude freshness. The usual modern approach in the shed from Tom, running the juice into old and new French barrels with plenty of natural solids, using wild ferments and regular stirring to build up a texture and complexity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt's a texturally driven, medium-bodied Chardy packed with yellow orchard fruit, bitter citrus peel, and a savoury, roasted nut complexity. A cool line of native acidity provides great tension and drive right through the finish - it goes on and on.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn extremely impressive wine that shows why Orange might just be the next big thing for Aussie Chardonnay!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e96 points\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"A wild ride of tantalising acidity pulls at the seams and carries the fruit onwards and upwards. It builds power with each sip and yet gracefully ebbs and flows across the palate. A wine that holds your attention and will age beautifully over the next decade and more.\"\u003cbr\u003e- Shanteh Wale (Halliday Wine Companion)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e","brand":"Swinging Bridge","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44077754581035,"sku":"2023 Swinging Bridge Caldwell Lane Chardonnay","price":49.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2572\/9722\/files\/2022SwingingBridgeCaldwellLaneChardonnay_26a5f1e0-7202-44fe-97ff-600fe878c426.png?v=1781836544","url":"https:\/\/www.differentdrop.com\/products\/2023-swinging-bridge-caldwell-lane-chardonnay","provider":"Different Drop","version":"1.0","type":"link"}