Isabel Estate Wild Barrique Marlborough Chardonnay 2021

Description

Oak, Peach, Spice

"Noticeable and fashionable level of reduction here with subtle spice and complex mineral notes on the nose. The mid-bodied palate has linearity, good density and power but is also very elegant and refined. Less overtly dense and more flowing than many wines in this style. Good concentration with lovely mid-weight flavours which build towards the back where oak firms up. Very modern style but unpretentious" Bob Campbell, Master of Wine, Real Review, Jan 2024

Subtle citrus, white peach and nectarine emerge from a complex array of gun flint and mealy notes. The palate is seamless, showing poise and restraint amidst a tightly woven French oak backbone. This single vineyard wine sings of site and vine age and delivers a stylish Chardonnay of subtlety and elegance.

Isabel Estate is located just outside of Renwick village in the Wairau Valley occupying 54 hectares with 45 of those dedicated to vineyard under canopy. The site benefits from all the climate characteristics that make Marlborough renowned. There is a focus on small-batch winemaking giving greater options at blending and helping to create complex wines with a sense of place. Sustainable viticultural practices are used including mulching and organic fertilisers, to maintain soil nutrition while spraying is kept to a minimum.

This wine is crafted from some of the oldest vines on the estate, our Mendoza clone Chardonnay. The vines are 30+ years old and are naturally low yielding, also an attribute of the clone. This gives us fruit with great concentration and acidity. Canopy management throughout the growing season ensures the right amount of exposure of fruit to allow airflow through the canopy but avoid any sunburn to the fruit. Close vine planted at 4500 vines per hectare. The fruit was all hand picked over a number of days, leaving some to hang longer and develop and add elements of ripe fruit concentration.

Established in 1980 Isabel Estate is one of the original Marlborough vineyards and part of the fabric that is the heritage of the Marlborough wine region. Isabel's small and dedicated team is 100% focused on single estate wines that deliver on the expression of site and provenance.