One of the oldest estates in Marlborough, Isabel Estate was founded in 1980 by pilot Mike Tiller who identified the promising terroir while on repeated approaches to landing at Marlborough. Their vineyards are planted to a range of noble varieties but it’s the Pinot Gris which is our favourite.
All harvesting was conducted in the cool of the early morning to retain freshness and purity. Each block was picked and fermented separately to allow for a range of yeast strains to be used, giving greater options at blending. Around 5% was fermented naturally in French oak barrels to help build texture and palate weight into the final wine. The wine was left on fine lees for a number of months after fermentation to develop richness and depth of flavour.
The Isabel Estate currently have 15 hectares of vineyards that are certified bio-gro organic.
The Isabel Pinot Gris has red apple, pear, jasmine and subtle underlying ginger spice aromas which give it immediate appeal. Crafted in a dry style the wine shows precision and restraint yet delivers an expressive palate with layers of pear, nectarine and baked apple tart. A creamy and textural mid palate add weight and complexity to the wine leaving a lasting impression.
Drinking beautifully now and will continue to show well over the next few years.
