Isabel Estate’s Wild Barrique Chardonnay 2018 won the Champion Chardonnay Trophy and Best Marlborough Wine in Show Trophy at the New Zealand Wine of the Year Competition 2019. The wild fermented Chardonnay has wowed judges across a number of New Zealand’s most reputable wine shows also winning three gold medals at the New Zealand Wine of the Year Competition 2019, the New Zealand International Show 2019 and the Marlborough Wine Show 2019.

Carefully crafted by Isabel Estate’s award-winning chief winemaker, Jeremy McKenzie, this superb Chardonnay highlights the unique micro-climates of each vineyard block at Isabel Estate. Only the best grapes from the estate’s oldest Chardonnay vines planted in 1980 were used to produce this exceptional wine. The varied expressions of Chardonnay are blended together for a truly unique wine of elegance and finesse while the wild ferment in small French oak barriques adds the finishing layers of texture and character.

According to industry experts, New Zealand chardonnay is the next big varietal to watch. Master of Wine Andrew Caillard says over the past decade Marlborough has aimed to redefine itself through the premium production of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay and names Jeremy McKenzie as leading the way.

“Jeremy’s passion and drive has put the spotlight on the quality on offer, and his skilful blending has crafted a truly outstanding wine.” Andrew Caillard MW