Isabel Estate Wild Barrique Chardonnay

Isabel Wild Barrique Chardonnay is a sophisticated single vineyard Chardonnay from the Wairau Valley, crafted to highlight both site expression and vine age with precision and restraint.

The fruit was harvested progressively over five days to capture ideal flavour development, with hand-picked grapes whole bunch pressed and naturally fermented in predominantly 500L French oak puncheons, 30% of which were new. The wine spent a full year in barrel undergoing malolactic fermentation and extended lees ageing, before further maturation in tank prior to bottling, building texture, integration and complexity.

The nose is layered and refined, revealing subtle citrus, white peach and nectarine intertwined with flinty gun smoke and delicate mealy notes. The palate is seamless and elegantly composed, balancing vibrant fruit with finely woven French oak and a creamy lees-derived texture. Stylish, poised and quietly powerful, this is a Chardonnay of finesse, minerality and understated complexity.

95 Points - Halliday Wine Companion

93 Points - James Suckling