If you've been following my writing for a while, you already know my deep affection for wines that foreground acidity, finesse, and terroir transparency. So when the opportunity arose to meet Jeremy McKenzie, the chief winemaker at Isabel Estate, I didn't hesitate. My longstanding admiration for New Zealand wines—particularly those from Marlborough—is rooted in the region's unique interplay of maritime climate, intense sunlight, and exceptional vineyard expression. Few places in the world marry vibrancy with structure, especially in an era increasingly shaped by the effects of climate change.
Marlborough continues to distinguish itself as a viticultural gem, producing wines that are luminous, concentrated, and brimming with tension and energy. Even more compelling is New Zealand's remarkable price-to-quality ratio— with most bottles remaining under $35, which makes New Zealand a tremendous value!
I had the pleasure of spending an hour in conversation with Jeremy McKenzie, delving into both his personal philosophy and the story of Isabel Estate.
The Isabel Estate story begins, as many good ones do, with a bit of magic. In the early 1980s, Mike Tiller—a pilot with a sharp eye and, evidently, great instincts—was flying over the Wairau Valley when he spotted what he believed could be the perfect vineyard site. And like that, Isabel Estate was born. (The name is a tribute to Mike’s mother, which somehow makes the whole thing even more poetic.) This aerial epiphany coincided with the emergence of New Zealand’s Sauvignon Blanc revolution—a phenomenon that changed the white wine world forever.
But Isabel Estate is far from a one-varietal story. While Sauvignon Blanc remains important, McKenzie—who spent time in Burgundy at the beginning of his career—also crafts poised, site-driven expressions of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The estate’s portfolio further includes Pinot Gris, Riesling, and Syrah, each treated with the same level of precision and respect for origin.
McKenzie's winemaking is deeply rooted in minimal intervention. The estate sources exclusively from its own vineyards, with vine age averaging between 30 and 35 years—a notable achievement in a relatively young wine-producing country. Approximately 42% of the estate is certified organic, with the remainder cultivated under strict sustainable protocols. Dry farming is favored, with irrigation used judiciously and only when necessary. Fermentations are spontaneous, driven by natural yeasts, and conducted across a thoughtful range of vessels, including clay amphorae, stainless steel, and French oak barrels. The overarching aim: to concentrate flavors and to build texture while allowing the unadulterated character of the fruit to take center stage. During our meeting, I had the chance to taste three of Isabel’s flagship wines, each revealing a compelling portrait of Marlborough uniqueness, as all are single vineyard wines.
Isabel Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2024 – $22
Lively and precise, this wine exudes notes of grapefruit zest, lime leaf, and lemongrass, underpinned by a saline, mineral edge. Its vibrant acidity and lithe structure make for a wine that is both engaging and endlessly drinkable. Unlike many Marlborough Sauvignons that lean into overt herbaceousness, this rendition strikes a balance between intensity and restraint. A modest 10% barrel fermentation lends subtle texture and depth, suggesting a stylistic bridge between New and Old World paradigms.
Isabel Estate Chardonnay 2022 – $22
A standout for me. This Chardonnay undergoes full barrel fermentation, followed by natural malolactic fermentation and five months of lees aging. The result is a wine of remarkable poise and depth, offering layers of flinty gun smoke, ripe white nectarine, and a whisper of vanilla. Creamy and voluptuous on the palate, it remains impeccably balanced by freshness and minerality. The oak is masterfully integrated, enhancing rather than obscuring the wine’s elegant core.
Isabel Estate Pinot Noir 2021 – $28
Crafted using whole-bunch fermentation to elevate aromatic complexity, this Pinot Noir is red silk in a bottle. The organically farmed grapes come from vines averaging nearly 30 years in age, and 25% of the wine sees aging in new French oak. The result is a seductive, perfumed red with notes of cranberry, black cherry, violet, white pepper, and wild herbs. Fine-grained tannins frame the fruit beautifully, recalling some of the more refined bottlings from Oregon’s Willamette Valley.
The best of all, each of these wines costs between $22 and $30—a compelling proposition for wines of this caliber. If you're seeking authenticity, craftsmanship, and value, Isabel Estate delivers on all fronts.
As always, I invite you to taste them and to tag me on Instagram—I’d love to hear from you. Until next time, Cheers! Silvina
#thoughtsoflawina #winewednesday #newzealand #marlborough #sauvignonblanc #pinotnoir #Isabelestate
All pictures used with the permission of Isabel Estate winery.
Ventessa Pinot Grigio 2023– Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT ($10.99)
