Isabel Estate Nabs Yet Another Chardonnay Trophy at the 2021 MWS

Isabel Estate Nabs Yet Another Chardonnay Trophy at the 2021 MWS

Isabel Estate has once again cemented its reputation as a premium producer of Chardonnay, after winning the MRC Champion Chardonnay - current vintage trophy at the 2021 Marlborough Wine Show.

The trophy was awarded to the Isabel Estate Marlborough Wild Barrique Chardonnay 2020, which is in its fifth vintage.

Senior Winemaker Josh Hammond says the trophy reinforces the hard work of the team to produce consistently good Marlborough chardonnay, a variety they love to work with.

“2016 was our first Wild Barrique, and that wine did really well, winning the Champion Exhibition White Wine at the Air New Zealand Wine Show. That’s continued and it has been really consistent, picking up gold medals or trophies every year,” he says.

“It’s pretty cool to be able to produce wine that has been recognised as consistently as it has been. It really shows the provenance of the Isabel Estate vineyard.”

The Marlborough Wine Show was a particularly rewarding show for the company.

“It’s always great to have your wines put up against your peers in the region and see how they measure up,” Josh says.

The trophy was sponsored by the Marlborough Research Centre.

MRC Trust Chief Executive, Gerald Hope, says the organisation is a proud supporter and sponsor of the Marlborough Wine Show, and they were particularly proud to be able to celebrate a fantastic locally grown variety.

“Being involved in the wine industry for nearly four decades, we understand and appreciate what it takes to make award-winning wine,” he says.

“Marlborough grown Chardonnay is a stellar grape and more than matches other great wines produced in New Zealand.”

There were 42 Chardonnay entries at the 2021 Marlborough Wine Show, with five gold medals awarded.

Prior to this year, Isabel Estate nabbed trophies for their Chardonnay at the 2017, 2018 and 2019 shows.