ISABEL ESTATE Sauvignon Blanc 'Like Vines' Single Vineyard - Marlborough 2024 Bottle - VGN

Description

IN BRIEF
Isabel Estate Sauvignon Blanc Like Vines Single Vineyard 2024 is zippy, driven Sauvignon Blanc that sings of nettle, cut grass and lime zest. Pale straw with a green rim, it gives green melon and peach notes, then opens to elderflower and saline crushed pebble hint. Light to medium bodied, the palate is driven by bright, linear acidity with lime pith, green apple and grapefruit balanced by herbaceous green pepper and passionfruit leaf. A mineral streak and a touch of lees weight keep it focused. Long refreshing finish with citrus oil and a whisper of gooseberry. Serve chilled at eight to ten degrees. Pairs with oysters, asparagus, sushi or goat cheese. Drink now to 2026 or to 2028 for softer acidity.

ABOUT THIS WINE
Isabel Estate Sauvignon Blanc Like Vines Single Vineyard 2024 is a bright, focused wine that showcases varietal purity with a sense of site. Pale straw with green tinges at the rim, it has a clear, lifted presence in the glass. The nose is immediate and lively with nettle, cut grass and lime zest at the fore, followed by green melon and a hint of white peach. As it opens, subtle floral notes of elderflower and a saline, crushed pebble character emerge, suggesting cool vineyard aspects and careful canopy management.

On the palate the wine is light to medium in body and driven by zippy, vibrant acidity that gives it a crisp, linear profile. Primary flavours of lime pith, green apple and grapefruit are accented by herbaceous threads of green pepper and passionfruit leaf rather than overt tropical sweetness. A fine mineral streak threads through, lending focus and a faint savoury tension that balances the fruit. Mid palate texture is clean with a touch of lees derived weight that stops the wine feeling overly thin while preserving its energy and drive.

The finish is long and refreshing, leaving lingering citrus oil, a whisper of gooseberry and a slightly chalky mineral note that invites another sip. This is a food friendly Sauvignon Blanc that will work well as an aperitif or alongside a wide range of dishes.

Serve well chilled around 8 to 10°C. Pair with fresh green salads, asparagus, goat cheese, oysters, sushi and grilled white fish with lemon and herbs. Drink now to 2026 for primary fruit vibrancy, or keep until 2028 if you prefer a softer acidity and more developed savoury notes. Overall this single vineyard bottling offers clarity, bright varietal character and a poised mineral backbone.

-----

ABOUT ISABEL ESTATE
Isabel Estate is a long established Marlborough producer situated just outside Renwick in the Wairau Valley. Founded in 1980 by Mike and Robyn Tiller, the property developed a reputation for single-estate wines that reflect the region’s free-draining gravels and cool maritime climate. The estate focuses on classic Marlborough varieties including Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Riesling, with an emphasis on site expression and consistency across vintages.

The estate remains a significant single-site operation and since 2014 has formed part of Pinnacle Drinks within the Endeavour Group. This ownership has allowed continued investment in vineyard management and winery facilities while maintaining Isabel’s estate-grown, estate-made and estate-bottled identity. Chief winemaker Jeremy McKenzie leads the technical team, bringing international experience and a practical, site-driven approach to vinification and élevage.

Vineyard holdings extend to roughly fifty-four hectares with about forty-five hectares under vine. Soils are predominantly stony gravel with pockets of clay that retain moisture and contribute to the concentration and texture the team seeks. Vine density, canopy management and targeted viticultural practices are used to produce small berries and focused flavour. The estate follows sustainable practices and has been progressively moving blocks towards organic management and wider use of cover crops to improve soil health and biodiversity.

Winemaking aims to marry Marlborough’s varietal clarity with measured oak and lees handling when appropriate. Sauvignon Blancs are typically bright and precise, showing citrus, tropical and herbaceous lift, while Chardonnays are notable for ripe stone fruit, creamy texture and well-integrated oak. Pinot Noir and Riesling bottlings are produced in smaller quantities and reflect cooler vineyard sites with finesse and clarity.

Isabel Estate holds recognised sustainability and organic certifications and targets both premium domestic and export markets. Overall the estate combines long local experience, estate scale and a clear sustainability agenda to produce expressive, site-driven Marlborough wines.