Swinging Bridge Mrs Payton Chardonnay 2024

In their words - 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 and was matured in tightly grained French Oak balancing its rich stone fruits and grapefruit characters. With this depth of flavour, flintiness and natural, cool climate acidity, this is a wine that will reward cellaring.

Critics thoughts - The '24 Mrs Payten looks fully formed even in its recent bottling and youth. The chardonnays of Swinging Bridge are aged glacially and often show their best in three to five years. Mrs Payten, however, looks great on release and forever after. Must be the savvy of Mrs Payten herself, watching over her namesake. Here, you'll find Meyer lemon skin, white peach and some ginger root. A lick of new oak shows in churned butter and golden crumpets. Some icicles of refreshing acidity and a lovely honey-almond-cake finish. Superb value and an extremely consistent wine.  94 Points Shanteh Wale