Swinging Bridge Caldwell Lane Pinot Noir 2024

95 POINTS

Shanteh Wale - Halliday Wine Companion

Sourced from Block G which is east facing and late ripening. Clones are a mix of 667 and 115 and are fully destemmed. Matured for 10 months in 20% new oak, primarily puncheons. 2024 is proving to be a harmonious year for pinot noir in Orange and this vintage shows its self assurance with dark cherry, smoked ancho chilli and crushed juniper spice; a deeper and darker-fruited vintage. It has chewy tobacco tannins, with five-spice and woodsy herbs in the background. I'd like to see this with a bit more time in bottle, to allow for some oak tones to integrate further, but it's a fine wine now and will continue to age well.