Isabel Estate has tasted victory at the 2025 London Wine Competition, putting the Marlborough wine region on the global map.
With a win that has the global wine world raising a collective glass, Isabel Estate’s Wild Barrique Chardonnay has been crowned Wine of the Year at one of the United Kingdom's most prestigious wine awards.
Putting Marlborough on the map, this subtle citrus and stone fruit 2022 vintage stole the show at the London Wine Competition, a highly regarded and respected global event, now in its eighth year. Unlike traditional awards that judge wines solely on taste, the London Wine Competition rewards wines based on quality, value and packaging, the three key factors that influence consumer buying decisions.
It's the first time Isabel Estate has entered the awards, and to stomp the comp with its Chardonnay has proven the highly decorated drop is everything it's cracked up to be, said Chief Winemaker Jeremy McKenzie.
"The team is blown away by the accolade. It's a particularly exciting time as we are in the throes of harvest and busy banking the 2025 Wild Barrique Chardonnay, which we believe has the bones to be another top wine in the future. There’ll certainly be a few glasses raised in celebration,” said McKenzie.
"Since its first vintage in 2016, this wine has performed incredibly well, loved by consumers, scoring highly and earning critical acclaim. That said, 2022 was a truly exceptional Chardonnay at the Estate and has collected some notable gongs over the years. It’s one of those wines that continues to capture attention with its complexity, concentration and length – and it’s incredibly age-worthy, making it a perfect addition to the cellar,” he added.
McKenzie, whose 2022 vintage was awarded Champion Wine at the inaugural National Wine Awards of Aotearoa New Zealand in 2022, was also named Winemaker of the Show.
This year, the London Wine Competition brought together a panel of some of the most influential wine buyers, master sommeliers, importers and industry experts from around the world. The judging took place in London, where hundreds of wines from more than 50 countries were blind-tasted, assessed and scored.
A standout on the global stage, Isabel Estate's Wild Barrique Chardonnay impressed judges in one of the industry's most demanding tasting rooms. Described as striking, pungent on the nose, of flinty character and reductive, points were also scored for the wine's dark and elegant packaging.
"Isabel Estate is woven into the fabric of the Marlborough wine industry, celebrating its 30th vintage with a legacy dating back to 1980,” added McKenzie.
"As a globally recognised brand, we're reinvigorating our presence across key markets, none more important than the UK. We all know that New Zealand produces globally acclaimed Sauvignon Blanc, but Chardonnay is probably the country's best-kept secret, and Wild Barrique is certainly testament to that."
The award-winning Chardonnay is in great company in Isabel Estate’s prized portfolio, an collection of elegant, terroir-driven Marlborough wines, including Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir.
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