As New Zealand’s wine award season approaches, Isabel Estate is putting chardonnay in the spotlight, with legendary chief winemaker Jeremy McKenzie seeing it as an opportunity to reveal another side of the Marlborough region.
“Marlborough has an extraordinary reputation for sauvignon blanc, but that’s only part of what this region can do,” he says. “Chardonnay gives us another way to show the character of our site, the quality of the fruit and the detail we can build through winemaking. Chardonnay is a flagship variety for Isabel Estate. The microclimate in this particular corner of the estate is ideally suited to producing chardonnay of exceptional quality.”
Chardonnay remains an expression of what makes this particular corner of Marlborough distinctive. While sav continues to define much of the region’s international reputation, Isabel Estate’s commitment to chardonnay – “a flagship variety” – demonstrates the breadth of its potential.
The label’s chardonnay story began in 1980, when the first vines were planted in the northeastern corner of the estate. More than 40 years later, those vines remain at the heart of a wine known for its elegance, complexity and depth.
For Jeremy, maintaining that standard also means remaining open to new ideas – his winemaking team combines experience with fresh perspectives, creating an environment where established techniques can be questioned and new approaches explored.
That philosophy was recently recognised when 30-year-old winemaker Nick Lamain was named the 2026 Tonnellerie de Mercurey New Zealand Young Winemaker of the Year.
“Nick’s recognition is incredibly well deserved and an exciting moment for the whole team,” says Jeremy. “Having talented young winemakers like Nick questioning, learning and bringing new thinking to the table is a big part of how we keep evolving.”
And Nick is quick to recognise Jeremy’s influence.
“When you’re young and still finding your feet in any industry having a mentor who’s open and transparent makes a huge difference,” he tells Verve. “With Jeremy that transparency has meant not just learning about all the intricacies of the wines we produce but also the intricacies of running a stable business, nothing is ever off limits for discussion.”
And becoming part of Marlborough’s storied history further adds to the sweetness of victory.
“I love spoiling myself in the incredibly diverse landscape we have here,” continues Nick.
“Spending time in the landscape adds to the satisfaction of making wines that reflect the land and terroir. I love Marlborough, and I’m proud that my job lets me bottle up a slice of this region to be shared and enjoyed all over the world.”
The Isabel Estate Chardonnay portfolio
Aratoro Chardonnay 2024
94 POINTS – for 2021 vintage | Stephen Wong, The Real Review
93 POINTS – for 2021 vintage | James Suckling
Wild Barrique Chardonnay 2025
WINE OF THE YEAR for 2022 vintage | London Wine Competition 2025
x GOLD medals for 2023 vintage | Marlborough Wine Show 2024 NZ International Wine Awards 2025
95 POINTS for 2024 vintage | Halliday Wine Companion
Single Vineyard Chardonnay 2025
BEST WHITE WINE for 2024 vintage | Aotearoa Regional Wine Awards 2025
GOLD medal for 2024 vintage | National Wine Awards of Aotearoa NZ 2025
