Swinging Bridge Mrs Payten Chardonnay 2024 (75cl, 12.6%)

A Chardonnay from Orange, New South Wales, matured in tightly grained French oak. The fruit comes from Hill Park, Caldwell Lane and Coole Park vineyards, and 30% of the wine goes through malolactic conversion. The barrels are a mix of new hogsheads and puncheons from French coopers, stirred until the desired texture is reached, then blended before bottling in late December. The 2024 season brought above-average temperatures and rainfall, with fruit picked in late February and early March. The wine shows juicy nectarine and peach with citrus and toasted vanilla, bright acidity, stone fruit and zesty lemon, and a toasty biscuit finish that lingers.