2023 Swinging Bridge Hill #006 Tempinot, Orange

This is always a wine that reminds me why Swinging Bridge is an Estate you should have on your radar. Quality, innovation, drinkability and accessibility. Here you'll find the dark-berried fruit of tempranillo, blood plums, blackberries and fig, with the lift and carry of pinot noir acidity and some woodsy spice. Cardamom, olive and thyme. It's a wine that has a place on any table, fine dining or family gathering. Joyous. Drink to 2028.

91 points Shanteh Wale for Halliday Wine Companion, July 2025

Tom Ward’s family have been farming in the Central West of NSW since 1867, with the first Swinging Bridge vines planted on the Ward family property in Canowindra in 1995. The name originates from the wooden footbridge over the Belubula River that connects the family property to the town of Canowindra. Tom is a passionate advocate for New South Wales wines and for the high-altitude Orange Region, the home of the estate.

The Hashtag range of wines showcases for the region unusual varieties or blends.  Tempinot is a blend of Tempranillo and Pinot Noir, with the former being the major component (in this case 93%). Fruit is estate grown in the Hill Park vineyard at 900m elevation.

The 2023 vintage was challenging for the region, with wet conditions and a series of localised hailstorms requiring diligent work in the vineyards. Earlier ripening varieties fared best. The grapes were handpicked, destemmed maintaining as many whole berries as possible and cold-soaked for three days in open fermenters. The Pinot Noir component was matured in mostly seasoned French oak puncheons, while none of the Tempranillo barrels were new.

Black fruits on the nose, warm spices and herbs with a light brush of tapenade. Medium- bodied and savoury, the palate continues the black fruit and spice theme, with the Pinot making itself felt through light touches of red berries.

Highly versatile and ready to be enjoyed with pumpkin and black bean enchiladas or chargrilled pork chops rubbed with paprika and thyme.