Isabel Estate Sauvignon Blanc

Mike Tiller’s childhood dream of flying eventually led him to establish a winery in the Wairau Valley, Marlborough, one of New Zealand’s most celebrated wine regions. In 1980, while piloting over a distinctive plot of land, Mike noticed certain characteristics that piqued his curiosity: frost-resistant vines, fertile soils, and varied aspects. Along with his wife Robyn, they founded the Isabel Estate, named in honor of his mother, and quickly became pioneers in the region.

Isabel Estate is renowned for its diverse terroir, offering cool, dry inland sites, stony early ripening sites, and coastal areas influenced by seabreezes. The vineyards benefit from extended sunshine hours and a long, cool growing season, ideal for cultivating grapes of exceptional quality.

The estate is farmed using a combination of certified organic and sustainable methods, with a strong focus on small-batch winemaking to highlight the region's unique terroir. Isabel Estate Sauvignon Blanc is crafted from 100% estate-grown fruit, ensuring full control over the wine’s expression.

The wine is hand-harvested in the early morning to preserve its freshness and purity. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks with a brief skin contact period to enhance flavor extraction, while 5% of the wine rests in French oak for added texture and complexity. After an average of 6 months of aging, the wine is bottled, revealing an aromatic profile of grapefruit, passionfruit, and tropical fruits, complemented by a herbaceous note. A lively citrus zing, flinty minerality, and a creamy, smooth finish make for a refreshing and satisfying experience.

It’s no surprise that Marlborough’s Sauvignon Blanc has become a global favorite, and Isabel Estate exemplifies the best of what this iconic region has to offer.