The Suffragette was born from a need in today's Chardonnay market to find a rich, buttery, fully oaked Australian style. I have always had the philosophy that as a winemaker one should play to the strengths of what the region does well and McLaren Vale always produced some rich oaked styles. The fruit was sourced from three Mclaren Vale vineyards and was crushed and pressed oxidatively in order to create a golden colour and a plump palate. The fermentation was conducted with partial solids in new French and American hogsheads. The wine was then allowed to undergo partial Malolactic fermentation prior to ageing on yeast solids for 11 months. Colour: Brilliantly golden with green hues. Nose: Lifted nashi pear with hints of citrus and cashew intertwined with caramel and cream Palate: Rich and textural this Chardonnay has been styled on days of old. The palate is plump with stone-fruits and hints of pineapple. Barrel fermentation in both French and American oak, partial malolactic fermentation and extended ageing on yeast lees have developed a rich creamy textural palate, yet balanced with fresh natural acidity and integrated oak spices of cinnamon and nutmeg .