2023 Isabel Estate Single Vineyard Chardonnay

Vintage: 2023

Vineyard Location: Marlborough, New Zealand

Tasting Notes:
"We produce our Chardonnay from the very first vines planted in the north-eastern corner of the estate in 1980. The intensely concentrated grapes result in a wine of elegance, complexity, depth and class. Characters of white nectarine complemented by intriguing gun smoke and flint, vanilla bean and French oak toastiness will delight even the fussiest of Chardonnay devotees."

Variety: 100% Chardonnay

Clones: Mendoza, 95 and 548

Certifications: Sustainable (Most of their vineyards certified organic or in conversion to), Vegan

Winemaking: Each clone was picked at optimal ripeness, all fruit was whole-bunch pressed, settled overnight and then transferred into a combination of French oak barriques and puncheons for 100% wild fermentation. Aged in barrel for 11 months where it underwent malolactic fermentation.

Suggested Cellaring Potential: Drink now till late 2035.

Awards (for this exact wine):
Gold Medal & Trophy -  National Wine Awards of Aotearoa New Zealand 2024
Gold Medal - New Zealand International Wine Show 2024
92 Points - Erin Larkin, The Wine Advocate
93 Points - Halliday Wine Companion