Isabel Estate Marlborough Pinot Noir

Boyhood dreams of becoming a pilot rarely take flight, and even fewer lead to founding a winery. But for Mike Tiller, things were always going to be different. In 1980, after years of flying over Marlborough’s Wairau Valley, he noticed a pocket of land with remarkable qualities—natural frost resistance, fertile soil, and varied aspects—worth exploring. Together with his wife, Robyn, he established a winery on the site, naming it after his mother, Isabel, and became a trailblazer in what would soon be one of New Zealand’s most iconic wine regions.

Today, Isabel Estate remains a grand old lady of Marlborough, distinguished by its extended sunshine hours, long, cool growing season, and diverse terroir. Its free-draining gravel, tight clay subsoil, and mix of early-ripening stony sites, cool inland blocks, and coastal vineyards shaped by sea breezes create wines of depth and character. Every bottle is estate-grown, made, and bottled, ensuring full control over quality. Farming follows a mix of certified organic and sustainable practices, with a focus on small-batch winemaking to capture the unique essence of the land.

The Pinot Noir from Isabel Estate perfectly embodies this commitment to terroir. The vines are carefully nurtured on the estate’s cooler inland and coastal sites, producing a wine that is both elegant and vibrant. The fruit is hand-picked at optimal ripeness, and the wine is aged in French oak barrels, which adds a subtle layer of complexity to its delicate red berry flavours. With a silky texture, soft tannins, and a touch of spice, this Pinot Noir is a true reflection of Marlborough’s diverse landscape—balanced, expressive, and full of finesse.