Country: Australia Region: Riverland Varietal: Chardonnay Vintage: 2018  Colour: White Style: Dry Producer: Thistledown  Producer Profile Ever since historic Scots, James Busby and John MacArthur founded the Australian wine industry in the early 19th century, the relationship between Scotland and Australia has been an enduring one. Guardians of a long history, Thistledown Wine Co. continues the tradition of Scottish ingenuity and great Australian wine. From their small-batch winery in the idyllic Adelaide Hills, they work with pristine fruit sourced from iconic vineyard sites. Viticulture The Great Escape is their benchmark, cool climate Chardonnay produced from fruit grown in elevated vineyard sites which allow for a long ripening period which helps to maintain the natural sugar and acid balance of the grape. Sourced from 3 vineyard sites. One in Gumeracha and two in the revered Lenswood sub-region. All are on elevated sites between 300 and 450m. A good portion of the Great Escape always comes from their favourite vineyard which also produces their top chardonnay, Suilven. This close planted vineyard creates better shaded fruit and, along with low yields, produces wines of tight structure and immense intensity. Winemaking As with all their wines, the winemaking process is a gentle one with the intention of preserving the natural flavours of the wine while at the same time building layers of texture. Fruit is picked in the cool of the early morning and goes directly to press where the free run juice is run off to tank to settle. They retain relatively high level of solids in the ferment- half of which is done in tank with regular movement of lees and half is done in used French hogsheads with regular "bâtonnage" of the lees to build flavour and texture. We do not encourage malolactic as we want to preserve the crisp, citrus fruit profile. The wine spends 10 months in older French oak. Tasting Note Citrussy, subtle oak influence and a bright yet creamy palate. With moderate alcohol, focussed, crisp citrus fruit and a mouth-watering finish, this is an accomplished, truly modern style of this noble variety. Food Matching Shellfish, oysters and aromatic Asian dishes.