Isabel Estate Vineyards Marlborough Wild Barrique Chardonnay 2022

Mellow and Rich Concentrated Chardonnay

Prominent Oak Aroma

This Chardonnay has a distinct character from the moment it touches your palate. It doesn't have the same fruitiness as other NZ Chardonnays.

Instead, what emerges is a smooth, butterscotch-like texture, with nuances of roasted nuts and flint. Behind that, you'll find fruit flavors like ripe white peach and nectarine.

It's a wine that offers a strong sense of concentration within a subtle and subdued tone.

Old Vines and Wild Yeast are Key

The Chardonnay vines, over 30 years old, are from the oldest plot within Isabel Estate.

The vineyard is densely planted, yielding small but concentrated fruit each year. Grapes are hand-picked in the morning, then gently whole-bunch pressed in the afternoon. Fermentation takes place naturally in French oak (30% new oak), followed by 12 months of aging, and an additional 5 months of bottle aging before release.

Only wild yeasts are used. Natural fermentation and extended lees contact give the wine roundness and depth.

It’s a comfortably rich wine that slowly satisfies you with every sip.
"It has a powerful richness and complexity."
That's the kind of Chardonnay it is.

Aroma and Taste: Layers of Butter, Flint, and White Peach

Aromas of butterscotch are layered with delicate citrus and white peach. After swallowing, subtle hints of flint, toast, nuts, and toasted grains gently linger. The taste is rich yet restrained, leading to a long finish with a smooth acidity.

Recommended Pairings

• Pan-fried Flounder with Butter

  The wine's mellowness and the fish's delicate sweetness harmoniously intertwine.

• Smoked Salmon Risotto

  The smoky aroma and rich rice pair well with the oak notes.

• Chicken Fricassee (Cream Stew)

  The wine's acidity sharply balances the creaminess of the dish, preventing it from feeling heavy.

• Carbonara

  The umami of bacon and the richness of egg perfectly blend with the Chardonnay's structure—an exquisite combination.

• White Mold Cheese (Brie, Camembert, etc.)

  The wine's roundness and the cheese's creaminess create an irresistible marriage.

Enjoy it with a relaxing weekend meal. Savor it slowly, appreciating its aroma. It will be even more enjoyable if served slightly warmer. The lingering finish of this Chardonnay is sure to be memorable.

About the Winery "Isabel Estate Vineyards"

Isabel Estate is a winery located in the Wairau Valley, Marlborough, on New Zealand's South Island. With long sunshine hours and a cool climate characterized by significant day-to-night temperature variations, it cultivates grapes with excellent acidity and aroma. The well-drained gravelly soil mixed with clay in this region provides an ideal environment for producing wines with concentrated fruit and complexity.

Founding History

Isabel Estate began in 1980. Founder Mike Tiller, a former pilot, discovered the land from above during a flight. Drawn by its ideal topography and climate, he started cultivating grapes with his wife, Robyn. The winery was named after Mike's mother, Isabel. In 1994, they released their first vintage under their own brand, formally embarking on their journey as a quality-focused winery.

Winemaking Philosophy

Isabel Estate adheres to the principle of "wines that reflect the vineyard," committing to grape cultivation and winemaking entirely from their own vineyards. Rare high-density planting and yield control in Marlborough concentrate the fruit flavors, supported by delicate winemaking utilizing wild yeasts and French oak. Isabel's style is to minimally intervene, allowing the unique characteristics of the land and grape variety to shine through.

People and Team

Currently, winemaking is led by Marlborough-born winemaker Jeremy McKenzie. Leveraging his experience at renowned international wineries, he focuses on crafting wines that respect the local terroir. His Chardonnays have received high acclaim both in New Zealand and internationally, and he has recently been awarded the country's top winemaker prize.

Quietly, yet Surely Recognized Talent

Isabel Estate wines captivate drinkers not with flashy impact, but with depth of flavor and elegant structure. Their Chardonnay, in particular, has won top honors at national awards across multiple vintages, establishing Isabel as one of Marlborough's leading wineries, recognized for its understated presence and undeniable quality.

About the Marlborough Region

"Marlborough" is the heart of New Zealand's wine region.

Abundant sunshine and significant day-to-night temperature fluctuations provide favorable natural conditions for grape growth. Marlborough produces over 80% of NZ's wine.

Among these, Sauvignon Blanc, characterized by crisp acidity and abundant fruitiness, boasts an overwhelming production volume and is widely loved globally for its unique character. For red wines, Pinot Noir, with its rich berry fruit flavors, is popular.

Isabel Estate Vineyards Marlborough Wild Barrique Chardonnay 2022