93 points - "White chalk, crushed stone and pomelo skin. Apple cheeks and white nectarine. Yellow plum, lemonade fruit and elevated acidity. A hint of nutmeg and dusty cinnamon. Crunchy and, as always, full of energy and appeal."
- Shanteh Wale (Halliday Wine Companion)

92 points - "The first thing that hits is a mouthwatering line of salty acidity, then some grain to texture, almond meal, vanilla slice and grapefruit pith. All bundled in a solid mid-palate package, with lemon curd creaminess and a little chew to finish. Fresh, super easily drinkable style that ticks all Chardonnay boxes for the price." - Kasia Sobiesiak (The Wine Front)

92 points - "The 2023 Mrs Payton Chardonnay is lean and detailed, with curving lines of citrus acidity that scope the edges of flavor. This has pink grapefruit, white peach, some crushed and salted cashews, a hint of blood orange and loads of brine. This lovely wine is driven by high-altitude/cool-climate acidity." - Erin Larkin (The Wine Advocate)

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.

Explore the Vintage

The vintage began with unusually cool and wet conditions from September through December. These low temperatures led to a late bud burst, causing low bud initiation and small bunch sizes in Chardonnay across the region. These conditions required diligent efforts in our vineyards to open up the fruit zone through extensive leaf plucking, thinning, and trimming. The second half of the vintage saw a turn of events with above-average temperatures from January to March, allowing the Chardonnay to reach optimal ripeness while retaining beautiful natural acids from the cooler start to the vintage.

Appreciate the Winemaking

The fruit was picked from our Hill Park (Block 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, left to settle briefly, then racked to barrel with a fair amount of solids, and left for wild ferment. The barrels consist of 20% new hogsheads and puncheons, from a mixture of French Tonneliers well suited to Chardonnay in Orange. Fermentation occurs as quickly as possible, before 30% goes through malolactic conversion. The barrels are stirred every couple of weeks initially and then less frequently until the right texture is achieved, differing for each individual barrel. The barrels are then tasted separately and blended for the final bottling in late November.

Enjoy the Characteristics

Colour: Clear, pale lemon.
Nose: Fresh white peach, lemon juice, and white blossom.
Palate: Light-bodied with a bright but soft acid structure. Stone fruits and white florals with a soft, smooth finish.